What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
happiness
Example
Winning the championship brought him great happiness. [happiness: noun]
Example
She was so happy to see her old friend after many years. [happy: adjective]
pleasure
Example
Eating ice cream brings me great pleasure. [pleasure: noun]
Example
He took pleasure in playing the guitar for his friends. [pleasure: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Happiness is a more commonly used word than pleasure in everyday language. Happiness is a broader and more encompassing emotion that can be applied to various contexts, while pleasure is often limited to specific activities or experiences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between happiness and pleasure?
Both happiness and pleasure can be used in formal and informal contexts, but happiness may be more appropriate in professional or academic settings due to its broader and more profound connotations.
