verb

enjoy

/en-JOY/ en·joy 2 syllables

To take pleasure or satisfaction from something.

Word facts

Part of speech verb
Syllables 2
Letters 5
Starts with E

Definition

To enjoy something means to take pleasure or satisfaction from it. It describes a positive experience of pleasure, comfort, or delight.

Usage: Enjoy is followed by a noun or gerund: 'enjoy music', 'enjoy swimming'. It is not followed by an infinitive — say 'I enjoy reading' not 'I enjoy to read'.

Example sentences

  1. 1

    She enjoys long walks in the countryside on quiet mornings.

  2. 2

    I really enjoyed the film — it was funny and touching at the same time.

  3. 3

    He enjoys cooking creative meals for his friends.

Word family

noun enjoyment
adjective enjoyable
adverb enjoyably
Word origin

From Old French enjoir ('to rejoice'), from en- + joie ('joy'). To enjoy is to enter into joy.

Memory tip

Enjoy = en + joy. You are 'in joy' when you enjoy something.

Explore this word in Word Lab

FAQ

Questions people ask

Can you say 'enjoy to do something'?

No. Say 'enjoy doing something'. Enjoy is always followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.

What is the noun form of enjoy?

The noun is enjoyment. Example: The enjoyment of music is universal.