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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Related Words

See kind ¹.

Other Word Forms

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

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; 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.

Example Sentences

“Markets aren’t typically so gracious as to offer multiple opportunities, which is why we have encouraged investors to be early,” he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Ultimately the moment belonged to McIlroy, but Rose won plaudits not just for his golf but his gracious sportsmanship, embracing the victor despite the huge disappointment of yet another near miss.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

While Fetterman was gracious to Mullin during his questioning, though, he was unusually coy about the status of his support.

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2026

“The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Samir accepted the free meal in exchange for his tales of adventure with a gracious nod.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

Related Words

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