pleasant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pleasant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is nice, pleasing, or agreeable. For example, "It was a pleasant evening spent with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is not a pleasant position to be in, at least for a German head of government.

The Guardian

Well, Daiches, now deceased, would have a pleasant surprise if he could try the Nikka Pure Malt Black, a blend from Taketsuru's two distilleries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unlikely to be as pleasant on the eye, but no less explosive, that particular showdown is scheduled for Saturday, with the fixture generator having unwittingly maximised excitement among Iceland's football followers by pitting the Premier League's two potential title winners against each other on the final day of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

10am: hot drinks and cake at the Patchwork cafe The drive from Hobart into the heart of Tasmania is a pleasant one.

The Guardian - Travel

Instead, I had spent a very pleasant morning back in Barcelona, using the latest generation of hitching apps and websites to set up an itinerary of interconnecting rides.

The Guardian - Travel

There is not a great deal to see in Ravello, apart from its two villas - the ruined Rufulo, which has open-air concerts in the evenings, and the Cimbrone with its lush gardens overlooking the sea - but it is pleasant just to ramble through the cobbled lanes or linger over a drink in a café on the main square.

The Guardian - Travel

It's pleasant to fantasise that if Mirvish hadn't died in 2007, the building would never have been sold for scrap – but Ed's defining characteristic wasn't so much honesty as a hard nose.

The Guardian

Everyone likes clean streets, low crime rates and the sense of well-being that is exuded by pleasant public places.

The Guardian

What is wrong with us that we are afraid to be pleasant about someone living?

The Guardian

"All we want to do is get on with our lives," says Hancock. "We love the area and hoped that this would be our last house, but this is not a pleasant way to live.

The Guardian

I'm not convinced: the breast, though pleasant enough, is definitely duller than the thigh, which offers a multitude of sensory pleasures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pleasant" to describe experiences, environments, or people that evoke a sense of calm enjoyment. For example, "a pleasant walk", "a pleasant atmosphere", or "a pleasant person".

Common error

While "pleasant" is versatile, avoid relying on it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more descriptive or sophisticated alternatives like "agreeable", "delightful", or "gratifying" to enhance the impact and precision of your language.

Linguistic Context

The word "pleasant" functions primarily as an adjective. It is used to describe nouns, indicating that they possess qualities that are enjoyable, agreeable, or pleasing. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pleasant" is a versatile and very common adjective used to describe something that is enjoyable or agreeable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily to convey a positive attribute. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, travel, and lifestyle, maintaining a neutral tone. For alternatives, consider words like "agreeable", "enjoyable", or "delightful". While "pleasant" is grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in extremely formal contexts. With a source quality score of 94, "pleasant" is well-represented in authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for expressing positive sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agreeable

Focuses on the characteristic of being in accordance with one's tastes or feelings.

enjoyable

Highlights the capacity to give delight or pleasure.

delightful

Suggests a higher degree of pleasure and charm than "pleasant".

nice

A more general and informal term for something that is pleasing.

amiable

Emphasizes the friendly and sociable qualities.

satisfying

Highlights the fulfillment of a need or desire.

gratifying

Focuses on the feeling of satisfaction or pleasure received.

lovely

Emphasizes the beauty and charm of something.

charming

Suggests an ability to delight or attract others.

welcome

Describes something as being gladly received or appreciated.

FAQs

How can I use "pleasant" in a sentence?

You can use "pleasant" to describe something enjoyable or agreeable, such as "a "pleasant surprise"" or "a "pleasant day"".

What are some alternatives to "pleasant"?

Some alternatives to "pleasant" include "agreeable", "enjoyable", "delightful", and "nice", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a pleasant experience"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say "a "pleasant experience"". It is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an enjoyable or positive experience.

What is the difference between "pleasant" and "pleasing"?

"Pleasant" describes something that is already enjoyable, while "pleasing" describes something that causes enjoyment or satisfaction. For example, "a pleasant aroma" (it is already enjoyable) versus "a pleasing gesture" (it causes satisfaction).