"Happy" can be stronger than "pleased" in some cases:
* Intensity: "Happy" generally implies a more intense feeling of joy and contentment than "pleased." For example, you might be "pleased" with a good grade, but you would be "happy" if you won the lottery.
* Duration: "Happy" can suggest a more lasting feeling of happiness, while "pleased" might be more fleeting. You might be "pleased" by a compliment, but you would be "happy" if you were in a loving relationship.
"Pleased" can be stronger than "happy" in other cases:
* Formal context: "Pleased" is often used in more formal contexts, especially when referring to someone's satisfaction with something. For example, you might say "I am pleased to meet you" rather than "I am happy to meet you."
* Specific circumstances: Sometimes, "pleased" is more appropriate for a particular situation. For example, you might be "pleased" to receive a gift, but you wouldn't necessarily be "happy" about it.
Overall:
While both words express positive feelings, "happy" typically suggests a more intense and lasting feeling of joy, while "pleased" can be more nuanced and context-dependent.