What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
joy
Example
The birth of their child brought them great joy. [joy: noun]
Example
She felt a surge of joy when she saw her best friend after a long time. [joy: noun]
pleasure
Example
I take pleasure in reading books. [pleasure: noun]
Example
It gives me great pleasure to see my children happy. [pleasure: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pleasure is more commonly used than joy in everyday language. Pleasure is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while joy is less common and often reserved for more profound emotional experiences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between joy and pleasure?
While joy is typically associated with a more formal or poetic tone, pleasure is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
