gratifying
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
What are other ways to say gratifying?
Something that is gratifying gives or causes satisfaction. But calling something gratifying isn’t exactly the same as calling it pleasing or interesting. Find out why on Thesaurus.com.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of gratifying
Explanation
When something is gratifying, it feels emotionally satisfying and pleasant, like the sweet feeling you get after acing a test that you studied really hard for. When you've invested a lot of time and effort into something, it can be quite gratifying to reap the rewards of success. Imagine going through batches of oatmeal cookies trying to get just the right recipe — and then winning the blue ribbon at the annual baking contest. How gratifying! The word gratifying comes from the Latin word gratus, meaning "pleasing, thankful." No matter the circumstances, gratifying moments make you feel appreciated and proud of your efforts.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gratifying, and it feels like it’s doing some good.
From New York Times • Mar. 1, 2023
Gratifying to know that they had built to last and that their accomplishments had survived for so long.
From Washington Post • Aug. 19, 2021
Gratifying as it would be to appeal to neutral principles in this conflict, there is no one right way to define a governor’s power or run a state-university system.
From The New Yorker • Dec. 20, 2016
Gratifying, I suspect, infinitely less grueling, I’m sure, and certainly less sloppy than the 1970 Belmont Stakes.
From New York Times • Jun. 5, 2010
Gratifying associations of thought would form in my mind, as I contemplated their approach, and successive arrival within the precincts of the house of prayer.
From The Dairyman's Daughter by Richmond, Legh
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
