The difference between “plaisant” and “agréable”

Question

What is the difference in connotation between “plaisant” and “agréable” (in referring to a conversation, event, etc.)? I had always assumed that the former was mildly derogatory or pejorative, but even good dictionaries give no guidance here.

Answer 1

I think this is a question of level of language. Plaisant sounds a bit more advanced than agréable to me. But the meaning is actually the same.

Answer 2

Plaisant can mean the same thing as the English pleasant: something that (some) people will like. It is very slightly dated in that sense. There is a connotation that something plaisant is likable or beautiful. More often, plaisant means something that might generate a smile or a chuckle, in particular (but not always) something that is not serious.

Agréable is a rather straightforward translation of pleasant.

Answer 3

I would have a hard time trying to describe the meaning of those words, but to me there is a slight difference:

• "plaisant" states the object as being likable to some extent, but without providing any reason. Also since it comes from the verb "plaire" I would even say it implies the object has an effect on the person : it makes her like it
• "agréable" is more focused on the nice feeling it conveys.

Answer 4

First and foremost, they both mean the same, that is, the English “pleasant”.

Then, as Shlublu mentions, “agréable” is more commonly¹ used in that sense, and “plaisant” can sound a bit more formal, therefore be less employed.

“Plaisant” is more often² used ironically to tell something ridiculous (relatedly to “plaisantin”, someone who makes light-hearted jokes). You can found examples in the Wiktionary (in french).

¹ I do hear “plaisant” more² in Canada, in its original “pleasant” sense.
² Still not a lot, but comparatively slightly more.