gratification

American  

[grat-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌgræt ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the state of being gratified; great satisfaction.

   Synonyms:

   comfort, enjoyment, delight, relish, pleasure

2. something that gratifies; source of pleasure or satisfaction.

3. the act of gratifying. gratifying.

4. Archaic. a reward, recompense, or gratuity.

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Other Word Forms

• nongratification noun
• overgratification noun
• pregratification noun
• supergratification noun

Etymology

Origin of gratification

First recorded in 1590–1600, gratification is from the Latin word grātificātiōn- (stem of grātificātiō ). See gratify, -ation

Example Sentences

In the newsroom, current events and editors provided an onslaught of tasks that offered intellectual stimulation, variety and reliable gratification.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Bat,” Mr. Grayson answered, “sometimes we have to wait. It’s good practice to delay gratification.”

From Literature

The way we’ve chosen to attack entitlement or instant gratification is to practice gratitude and to serve selflessly.

From Los Angeles Times

Humans do not have consistent preferences, especially when it comes to weighing current advantage against much greater gains from deferred gratification.

From The Wall Street Journal

She told the inquiry the men "prioritised personal gratification and their careers over the wellbeing of their families" and claimed "the deceit and collusion went high up the chain."

From BBC

Related Words

• enjoyment
• fulfillment
• joy
• luxury
• pleasure