WordGarden.ioenjoy
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛndʒˈɔɪ/
US
- /ˌɛnˈdʒɔɪ/
Meanings
Verb
to take pleasure in something
to have the benefit or use of something
Beyond the definition
To enjoy something is to get real pleasure or happiness from it. It is more than simply liking something. It means the experience feels good to you in a clear and personal way. You might enjoy a good meal, time with close friends, or a quiet moment alone with a book.
Think about a sunny day at the beach. You do not just accept the heat; you take pleasure in the warm sand under your feet, the steady sound of the waves, and the calm feeling that comes over you. This feeling can come from action, like riding a roller coaster, or from stillness, like watching a sunset. We use the word in everyday speech in sentences like "I really enjoyed the movie" and "She enjoys gardening."
The word "enjoy" describes the pleasure, satisfaction, or happiness that comes from an experience, activity, person, or thing. It often suggests more than a simple positive opinion. When someone enjoys something, they are having a good experience and feeling that goodness in a direct way. If you say, "They enjoyed a long walk in the woods," it suggests that the walk gave them real pleasure, from the fresh air to the movement to the quiet around them.
"Enjoy" is used in many situations. You can enjoy food, music, games, travel, learning, conversation, or time by yourself. You can also enjoy doing something: someone may enjoy cooking, reading, or solving puzzles. The word is common for fun and rest, but it also fits moments of effort and success. A person can enjoy the process of building something, training for a race, or finishing a hard task. The strength of the feeling can change. You might enjoy a short chat a little, or enjoy a special trip very deeply.
Beyond this everyday meaning, "enjoy" also has a more formal use. It can mean to have something good or to receive its benefit. For example, a person may "enjoy good health" or "enjoy equal rights under the law." In this sense, the word is not mainly about a feeling in the moment. It is about having an advantage, a condition, or a right. Because of these two uses, "enjoy" is a very common and useful English word. It helps describe both the simple pleasure of daily life and the broader good things a person has.
Examples
- 1
Quiet mornings
I enjoy quiet mornings at home.
- 2
Cooking for others
She enjoys cooking for her friends.
- 3
Event experience
We enjoyed the concert, even though it started late.
- 4
Social attention
He doesn't enjoy being the center of attention.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Preferred situation
I enjoy it when everyone arrives on time.
- Patternenjoy it when + clause
like that situation
- 6
Party question
Did you enjoy yourself at the party?
- Phraseenjoy yourself
have a good time
- 7
Friendly wish
Enjoy your weekend.
- PatternEnjoy your + time/event
a common way to wish someone a good time
See also
Similar
- like
- appreciate
- take pleasure in
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- enjoy doing something
- enjoy yourself
- enjoy a meal
- enjoy someone's company
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- enjoyverb
Forms
- enjoyedpast tenseverb
- enjoying-ing formverb
- enjoysverb