pleasurable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pleasurable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that provides enjoyment or satisfaction. Example: "The experience of watching the sunset was truly pleasurable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Suddenly Moscow is a city where taking a nice walk on a Sunday afternoon is a normal thing to do and something pleasurable".

The Guardian

Surely that would be a more pleasurable nicotine delivery system than these awful patches?

The Guardian

A 1930's Martini from the Harry Craddock's classic Savoy Cocktail Book contained 1 part vermouth to 2 parts gin and, though a pleasurable drop, I missed the sheer viscosity of a really gin-heavy Martini.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was nothing pleasurable about Rodwell's afternoon.

The Guardian - Sport

"The purpose of Vipassana is not to experience pleasurable sensations but rather to develop equanimity towards all sensations," Goenka says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In tests, not only did their levels of oxytocin surge by up to five times, their readings of pleasurable endorphins and dopamine doubled.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We need to recognise that we've created something magnificently compelling and pleasurable in video games – and that's a wonderful thing.

The Guardian - Tech

My concern would have been lessened and my surprise greatly increased had I known that a teenage attitude these days means being a law-abiding citizen, abstaining from drink, drugs and casual sex and studying hard.Daniel Olive LondonA pleasurable vacationSIR – With reference to funny placenames (Letters, July 12th), how could you have missed Dildo Run in Canada?

The Economist

A longer, and far more pleasurable, elaboration can be found in text, pictures and objects at the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, where an exhibition devoted to "Money and Beauty" continues into 2012.

The Economist

For example, 25% of the students in Tepper's current first-year class come from abroad, well down on two years ago when the share was 36%.Profitable or pleasurable?The biggest of all the revenue boosts has been executive education: short courses that do not lead to accreditation, but offer mid-career training to company managers.

The Economist

Some patients even report a pleasurable equivalent of "jogger's high", caused by the release of the brain's own pain-killing opiates called endorphins.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pleasurable" to describe experiences, activities, or sensations that evoke a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the positive emotional response something elicits.

Common error

While "pleasurable" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or nuanced vocabulary might be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "satisfying" or "gratifying" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pleasurable" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that gives pleasure or enjoyment. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts to attribute a positive quality to experiences and objects, making statements more evocative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pleasurable" is an adjective used to describe something that provides enjoyment or satisfaction. Ludwig AI analysis shows the term is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media, and science contexts. It conveys positive sentiment and is suitable for neutral registers, offering a strong way to emphasize the positive emotional response to an experience. When aiming to evoke a sense of delight, consider synonyms like "enjoyable" or "delightful" for variety, but avoid overuse in highly formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoyable

A direct synonym, indicating something that gives pleasure.

pleasant

A general term for something that is enjoyable or pleasing.

delightful

Emphasizes a high degree of pleasure and satisfaction.

gratifying

Focuses on the satisfaction derived from an experience.

fulfilling

Highlights the sense of completeness and satisfaction gained.

satisfying

Highlights the fulfillment of needs or desires.

rewarding

Focuses on the positive outcome or benefit derived.

agreeable

Suggests something that is pleasing and acceptable.

charming

Implies a delightful and attractive quality.

lovely

Expresses a sense of beauty and enjoyment.

FAQs

How can I use "pleasurable" in a sentence?

You can use "pleasurable" to describe experiences or activities that bring enjoyment. For example, "Taking a walk in the park can be a "pleasurable" experience" or "The concert was a highly "pleasurable" event".

What are some synonyms for "pleasurable"?

Alternatives to "pleasurable" include "enjoyable", "delightful", "gratifying", "satisfying", and "pleasant". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pleasurable" a formal or informal word?

"Pleasurable" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. It is appropriate for both everyday conversation and more formal writing, though in highly technical or academic contexts, more precise synonyms may be preferable.

What's the difference between "pleasurable" and "pleasant"?

While both words describe something enjoyable, "pleasurable" often implies a stronger sense of enjoyment or satisfaction than "pleasant". "Pleasant" can simply mean agreeable or acceptable, whereas "pleasurable" suggests a more actively positive experience.