Pleasure vs. Entertainment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
Pleasure is a personal feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction, while entertainment is an activity or medium designed to amuse or engage.
Difference Between Pleasure and Entertainment
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Pleasure is a profound sense of joy, contentment, or satisfaction derived from an experience, while entertainment refers to activities, performances, or mediums specifically crafted to captivate or amuse an audience. Both words are related to positive feelings, yet their origins differ.
Pleasure often arises from personal, intrinsic experiences or sensations, like the contentment after a delicious meal or the happiness felt during a serene moment in nature. On the other hand, entertainment typically stems from external sources, like movies, concerts, or games, aiming to divert and occupy our attention.
In terms of duration, pleasure can be fleeting, like the burst of joy from a compliment, or lasting, like the satisfaction of accomplishing a long-term goal. Entertainment, however, typically has a set duration, whether it's a two-hour movie or a three-day music festival. Both bring joy, but the timeframe might differ.
Pleasure is subjective; what brings joy to one person might be indifferent or even unpleasant to another. In contrast, entertainment is often designed with a broader audience in mind, aiming to appeal to a larger group, though it won't always resonate with everyone.
While pleasure encompasses a broad spectrum of emotions and can emerge from a variety of sources (physical, mental, emotional), entertainment is primarily focused on diverting and amusing, aiming to engage the audience and elicit reactions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Source
Intrinsic (comes from within)
Extrinsic (external sources)
Duration
Can be fleeting or long-lasting
Typically has a set duration
Audience
Personal and subjective
Aimed at a broader audience
Scope
Broad (can arise from a variety of sources)
Focused on amusements or diversions
Intended Response
Joy, contentment, satisfaction
Amusement, engagement, diversion
Compare with Definitions
Pleasure
A source of delight or joy.
Reading is a true pleasure for many.
Entertainment
An activity designed to amuse or engage.
Movies are a popular form of entertainment.
Pleasure
A feeling of joy or contentment.
The pleasure of a warm bath after a long day is unparalleled.
Entertainment
A performance or show for public enjoyment.
The live entertainment at the park drew a large crowd.
Pleasure
Personal satisfaction derived from an experience.
The pleasure of finishing a marathon was worth the training.
Entertainment
Diversion from daily routine or concerns.
I seek entertainment to relax and unwind.
Pleasure
An intrinsic sense of gratification.
There's a unique pleasure in helping others.
Entertainment
A medium to captivate an audience.
Virtual reality is the next frontier in entertainment.
Pleasure
A pleasant sensation or emotion.
The pleasure of tasting fine wine can't be understated.
Entertainment
Activities or events that provide leisure and amusement.
The city offers various entertainment options for tourists.
Pleasure
Pleasure refers to experience that feels good, that involves the enjoyment of something. It contrasts with pain or suffering, which are forms of feeling bad.
Entertainment
Entertainment is a form of activity that holds the attention and interest of an audience or gives pleasure and delight. It can be an idea or a task, but is more likely to be one of the activities or events that have developed over thousands of years specifically for the purpose of keeping an audience's attention.
Pleasure
A feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment
She smiled with pleasure at being praised
Entertainment
The act of entertaining.
Pleasure
Used or intended for entertainment rather than business
Pleasure boats
Entertainment
The art or field of entertaining.
Pleasure
Give sexual enjoyment or satisfaction to
Tell me what will pleasure you
Entertainment
Something that amuses, pleases, or diverts, especially a performance or show.
Pleasure
The state or feeling of being pleased or gratified.
Entertainment
The pleasure afforded by being entertained; amusement
The comedian performed for our entertainment.
Pleasure
A source of enjoyment or delight
The graceful skaters were a pleasure to watch.
Entertainment
(Archaic) Maintenance; support.
Pleasure
Amusement, diversion, or worldly enjoyment
"Pleasure ... is a safer guide than either right or duty" (Samuel Butler).
Entertainment
(Obsolete) Employment.
Pleasure
Sensual gratification or indulgence.
Entertainment
An activity designed to give pleasure, enjoyment, diversion, amusement, or relaxation to an audience, no matter whether the audience participates passively as in watching opera or a movie, or actively as in games.
Pleasure
One's preference or wish
What is your pleasure?.
Entertainment
A show put on for the enjoyment or amusement of others.
Pleasure
To give pleasure or enjoyment to; gratify
Our host pleasured us with his company.
Entertainment
(obsolete) Maintenance or support.
Pleasure
To take pleasure; delight
The hiker paused, pleasuring in the sounds of the forest.
Entertainment
(obsolete) Admission into service; service.
Pleasure
To go in search of pleasure or enjoyment.
Entertainment
(obsolete) Payment of soldiers or servants; wages.
Pleasure
(uncountable) A state of being pleased or contented; gratification.
He remembered with pleasure his home and family.
I get a lot of pleasure from watching others work hard while I relax.
Entertainment
(obsolete) Reception; (provision of) food to guests or travellers.
Pleasure
(countable) A person, thing or action that causes enjoyment.
It was a pleasure to meet you.
Having a good night's sleep is one of life's little pleasures.
Entertainment
The act of receiving as host, or of amusing, admitting, or cherishing; hospitable reception; also, reception or treatment, in general.
The entertainment of Christ by faith.
The sincere entertainment and practice of the precepts of the gospel.
Pleasure
(uncountable) One's preference.
What is your pleasure: coffee or tea?
Entertainment
That which entertains, or with which one is entertained;
Theatrical entertainments conducted with greater elegance and refinement.
Pleasure
The will or desire of someone or some agency in power.
To hold an office at pleasure: to hold it indefinitely until it is revoked
At Congress's pleasure: whenever or as long as Congress desires
Entertainment
Admission into service; service.
Some band of strangers in the adversary's entertainment.
Pleasure
Pleased to meet you, "It's my pleasure"
Entertainment
Payment of soldiers or servants; wages.
The entertainment of the general upon his first arrival was but six shillings and eight pence.
Pleasure
(transitive) To give or afford pleasure to.
Entertainment
A diversion that holds the attention
Pleasure
(transitive) To give sexual pleasure to.
Johnny pleasured Jackie with his mouth last night.
Pleasure
To take pleasure; to seek or pursue pleasure.
To go pleasuring
Pleasure
The gratification of the senses or of the mind; agreeable sensations or emotions; the excitement, relish, or happiness produced by the expectation or the enjoyment of something good, delightful, or satisfying; - opposed to pain, sorrow, etc.
At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Pleasure
Amusement; sport; diversion; self-indulgence; frivolous or dissipating enjoyment; hence, sensual gratification; - opposed to labor, service, duty, self-denial, etc.
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man.
Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.
Pleasure
What the will dictates or prefers as gratifying or satisfying; hence, will; choice; wish; purpose.
Use your pleasure; if your love do not presuade you to come, let not my letter.
Pleasure
That which pleases; a favor; a gratification.
Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure
Pleasure
To give or afford pleasure to; to please; to gratify.
[Rolled] his hoop to pleasure Edith.
Pleasure
To take pleasure; to seek pursue pleasure; as, to go pleasuring.
Pleasure
A fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience;
He was tingling with pleasure
Pleasure
Something or someone that provides pleasure; a source of happiness;
A joy to behold
The pleasure of his company
The new car is a delight
Pleasure
A formal expression;
He serves at the pleasure of the President
Pleasure
An activity that affords enjoyment;
He puts duty before pleasure
Pleasure
Sexual gratification;
He took his pleasure of her
Common Curiosities
Is pleasure always derived from external sources?
No, pleasure can be intrinsic, coming from personal experiences or feelings.
Is all entertainment pleasurable?
No, entertainment varies, and what's entertaining to one might not be pleasurable to another.
What is pleasure in simple terms?
Pleasure is a feeling of joy, contentment, or satisfaction.
What is the primary aim of entertainment?
The primary aim of entertainment is to amuse or engage an audience.
How is pleasure different from happiness?
While both are positive emotions, pleasure is often a temporary feeling from a specific event, whereas happiness is a more general state of well-being.
Why do people seek entertainment?
People seek entertainment to break from routine, relax, and be amused or engaged.
How do cultural differences impact pleasure and entertainment?
Cultural backgrounds can influence what individuals find pleasurable or entertaining.
Are there universal forms of pleasure and entertainment?
While specific forms may vary, certain experiences, like music or laughter, are universally enjoyed.
Can pleasure be a form of entertainment?
Yes, activities that bring personal joy can also serve as entertainment.
Are there any negative sides to seeking constant pleasure?
Yes, constantly seeking pleasure can lead to neglect of responsibilities and may not result in long-term happiness.
Is pleasure always momentary?
No, pleasure can be fleeting or long-lasting, depending on the source.
Can pleasure be derived from work?
Absolutely, many find pleasure in their accomplishments and tasks at work.
Can entertainment be educational?
Yes, entertainment can be both enjoyable and educational, like documentaries or educational games.
How have digital technologies influenced entertainment?
Digital technologies have expanded entertainment options, enabling streaming, virtual experiences, and interactive mediums.
Can one form of entertainment be a source of pleasure for all?
No, entertainment is subjective, and what entertains one might not please another.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Anthropology vs. Sociology
Next Comparison
Flinched vs. RecoiledAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
