Pleasantry

usgb/ˈplezntri/
noun

A polite or amusing remark, often made to ease a tense situation or aid in social conduct.

To break the ice at the social gathering, he started with a light-hearted pleasantry.
Visual representation of "pleasantry" - A polite or amusing remark, often made to ease a tense situation or aid in social conduct

Often appears as...

  • exchange pleasantries
  • utter a pleasantry
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "pleasantry"
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Social Icebreaker

Pleasantries can lighten the mood among strangers or acquaintances in social settings.

Illustration for Social Icebreaker
Seeing the guests' nervousness, he offered a pleasantry about the weather to help everyone relax.
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Tension Diffuser

Use pleasantries to ease tension in difficult conversations or to show you're friendly.

Illustration for Tension Diffuser
Amidst the heated debate, her pleasantry about the host's lovely home calmed the room.
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Cultural Variance

Pleasantries may vary by culture; what's amusing in one might not be in another.

Illustration for Cultural Variance
He realized his pleasantry didn't translate well when his new international friends looked confused.
Visual representation of the word "Pleasantry"

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