enjoy
enjoy
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "enjoy" is /ɪnˈdʒɔɪ/.
en-: /ɪn/
joy: /dʒɔɪ/
Word Form Variations
Verb:
Base form: enjoy
Third-person singular present: enjoys
Present participle: enjoying
Past tense: enjoyed
Past participle: enjoyed
Noun (derived from the verb, often with a different nuance):
enjoyment
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Definition 1: To derive pleasure or satisfaction from an activity, experience, or object.
Synonyms: like, relish, delight in, appreciate, savor, partake in
Antonyms: dislike, hate, abhor, despise, loathe, suffer
Definition 2: To have the benefit or use of something, often something positive or advantageous.
Synonyms: possess, experience, have, undergo, benefit from, command
Antonyms: lack, forfeit, lose, miss out on, be deprived of
Noun
Definition 1: The state or feeling of taking pleasure in something; satisfaction or delight. (This is the primary definition for "enjoyment").
Synonyms: pleasure, delight, gratification, satisfaction, happiness, joy, amusement
Antonyms: displeasure, dissatisfaction, misery, sorrow, suffering, boredom
Examples of Use
Books:
"She tried to enjoy the solitude, but the silence only amplified her anxieties." (From a contemporary fiction novel, specific title omitted for generality, but representative of common usage in narrative)
"To truly enjoy a good cup of tea, one must appreciate the ritual as much as the beverage itself." (From a non-fiction book on tea culture, e.g., The Book of Tea by Okakura Kakuzō, though the specific phrasing is illustrative)
Newspapers:
"Tourists continue to enjoy the vibrant street art and diverse culinary scene of the city." (Headline or lead sentence from a travel section of a major newspaper, e.g., The New York Times or The Guardian)
"While the team didn't win the championship, the fans certainly enjoyed the thrilling comeback in the final quarter." (Sports report from a local newspaper, e.g., The Boston Globe)
Online Publications:
"Here are five tips to help you enjoy your remote work experience even more." (From an article on a professional development blog, e.g., Harvard Business Review online)
"We hope you enjoy Browse our new collection of sustainable fashion." (Call to action or welcoming message on an e-commerce website blog or news section, e.g., Vogue.com or an ethical fashion retailer's blog)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film/Television: "We hope you enjoy the show!" (Common closing line from a host or announcer before a television program or at the start of a movie, e.g., Saturday Night Live or a movie trailer voiceover)
Music (Song Lyrics): "Just enjoy yourself, that's the main thing." (A common phrase in many pop, R&B, or dance songs, encouraging listeners to relax and have fun, e.g., "Good Times" by Chic, "Enjoy Yourself" by The Jacksons, though specific phrasing varies)
Video Games: "You are free to explore and enjoy the open world at your own pace." (From an in-game tutorial or description of gameplay mechanics, e.g., The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Grand Theft Auto V in-game text)
Podcasts: "Thanks for tuning in, and we hope you enjoyed this insightful discussion." (Common sign-off by a podcast host, e.g., The Daily from The New York Times, or Stuff You Should Know)
General Public Discourse:
"Did you enjoy your meal?" (Common question asked by a waiter in a restaurant or by a host to their guests)
"I really enjoy spending time with my family on weekends." (Casual conversation between friends or colleagues)
"Please enjoy the complimentary refreshments." (Announcement at an event, conference, or in a hotel lobby)
"I just want to enjoy life to the fullest." (A personal statement expressing a desire for happiness and fulfillment)
10 Famous Quotes Using Enjoy
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." (Steve Jobs)
"Life is like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs. But it's your choice to scream or to enjoy the ride." (Unknown, often attributed to various motivational speakers)
"I enjoy a good laugh and I've found that when you laugh, you can't be angry." (Willie Nelson)
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." (Mae West – while not using "enjoy," it strongly implies living life to its fullest and enjoying it)
"A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life." (Charles Darwin – implying that life's value is in experiencing and enjoying it)
"If you want to enjoy the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain." (Dolly Parton)
"I enjoy a challenge. I enjoy not knowing if I'm going to pull it off." (Jack Nicklaus)
"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." (Epicurus – suggesting enjoyment of present blessings)
"The unexamined life is not worth living." (Socrates – implying that reflection on life enhances its enjoyment and meaning)
"The secret of happiness is to find a congenial set of habits and stick to them." (Bertrand Russell – suggesting that finding what you enjoy and making it a routine contributes to happiness)
Etymology
The word "enjoy" has a fascinating history! It actually comes from French and has been around in English since the late 1300s.
Think of it as being built from two main parts:
"en-": This is a prefix that often means "to make" or "to cause to be in a certain state." You see it in other words like "enable" (to make able) or "encourage" (to give courage).
"joy": This part, as you might guess, comes from the Old French word "joie," meaning "pleasure, delight, or joyfulness." This "joy" itself traces back to the Latin word "gaudere," which means "to rejoice."
So, when "enjoy" first appeared in Middle English (around 1350-1400), its original meaning was actually closer to "to make joyful" or "to give joy to." It was about causing joy in someone or something. For example, an old text might have said that "good music enjoys the people," meaning it made them joyful.
Over time, the meaning shifted to what we understand today: "to experience with joy" or "to take pleasure in something." So, instead of making joy, it became about receiving or feeling that joy yourself. The idea of having the "use or benefit of" something also developed fairly early on, often in a more formal sense, like "to enjoy good health" or "to enjoy a privilege."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Enjoy
Enjoy yourself! (A common farewell or encouragement to have a good time)
Enjoy the moment. (Focus on and appreciate the present)
Enjoy the ride. (Accept and experience life's ups and downs)
Enjoy your meal. (Polite wish to someone about to eat)
Enjoy your day/evening/weekend. (Common polite closing)
Enjoy the fruits of your labor. (Benefit from the results of hard work)
Enjoy the best of both worlds. (Benefit from two different, often contrasting, situations)
Enjoying good health. (Being in a state of good physical well-being)
Enjoying widespread popularity. (Being liked by many people)
To take pleasure in... (Synonymous phrase for similar effect)
To revel in... (Synonymous phrase for similar effect)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of enjoy from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
