if you please

Definitions

1phraseA polite way to ask someone to do something or to express a request.

Could you pass the salt, if you please?

If you please, I would like to start the meeting now.

Would you mind closing the window, if you please?

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Word Origin

Language

English

Originally meant

A polite request or invitation to do something

Background

The phrase 'if you please' is a formal and courteous way of making a request, often used in older English literature and polite society. It reflects a time when language was more formal and indirect in expressing requests.