gracious

American  

[grey-shuhs] / ˈgreɪ ʃəs /

adjective

1. pleasantly kind, benevolent, and courteous.

   Synonyms:

   polite, pleasant, kindly, friendly, courteous, benign, benevolent

   Antonyms:

   churlish

2. characterized by good taste, comfort, ease, or luxury: a gracious home.

   gracious suburban living;

   a gracious home.

3. indulgent or beneficent in a pleasantly condescending way, especially to inferiors.

4. merciful or compassionate.

   our gracious king.

   Synonyms:

   gentle, mild, merciful, clement, tender, compassionate

   Antonyms:

   cruel

5. Obsolete. fortunate or happy.

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interjection

1. Also good gracious (used as an exclamation of surprise, relief, dismay, etc.)

gracious British  

/ ˈɡreɪʃəs /

adjective

1. characterized by or showing kindness and courtesy

2. condescendingly courteous, benevolent, or indulgent

3. characterized by or suitable for a life of elegance, ease, and indulgence

   gracious living

   gracious furnishings

4. merciful or compassionate

5. obsolete fortunate, prosperous, or happy

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interjection

1. an expression of mild surprise or wonder (often in exclamatory phrases such as good gracious!, gracious me! )

gracious Idioms  

1. see goodness gracious.

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Synonym Usage

See kind ¹.

Other Word Forms

• graciosity
  noun
• graciousness
  noun
• nongraciosity
  noun
• nongracious
  adjective
• overgracious
  adjective
• quasi-gracious
  adjective
• graciously
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of gracious

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English gracious, from Old French, from Latin grātiōsus “amiable,” equivalent to grāti(a) “favor, kindness, esteem” + -ōsus adjective suffix; see grace, -ous

Explanation

Gracious means "kind, courteous, and compassionate," like your gracious reply to a rude question like, "So, did you ever learn to hit a softball?" Gracious descends from the Latin word for good will. A gracious person wants everyone to be comfortable: a gracious host leaves extra blankets and some books on a variety of subjects out for overnight guests to enjoy. Even at a difficult moment, a gracious person remains thoughtful and kind, like the gracious way you treat a waiter who spills a glass of juice on your lap.

Related Words

• accommodating
• affable
• amiable
• approachable
• compassionate
• congenial
• considerate
• cordial
• courteous
• courtly
• friendly
• genial
• good-natured
• hospitable
• loving
• polite
• sociable
• well-mannered