gratitude

American  

[grat-i-tood, -tyood] / ˈgræt ɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

noun

1. the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.

   He expressed his gratitude to everyone on the staff.

   Synonyms:

   gratefulness, appreciation, thankfulness, thank

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gratitude British  

/ ˈɡrætɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation, as for gifts or favours

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Other Word Forms

• overgratitude noun
• ungratitude noun

Etymology

Origin of gratitude

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin grātitūdin-, stem of grātitūdō “thankfulness,” equivalent to grāt(us) “pleasing” + -i- + -tūdō -tude

Compare meaning

How does gratitude compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• gratefulness vs. gratitude
• gratitude vs. grateful

Example Sentences

The experience deepened Hansen’s gratitude for the gym they frequent in Los Angeles, Everybody Gym.

From Los Angeles Times

It was such a strange little soliloquy, but I could feel her sincerity, her meaning, her gratitude.

From Literature

In a statement Tuesday, D’Amaro expressed gratitude to Disney’s board “for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world.”

From Los Angeles Times

She also spoke briefly about her gratitude for being able to continue performing, acknowledging a journey that has not always been easy.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, it remains a steady, immensely powerful expression of gratitude, and it became associated with Heynis, who recorded it in 1956.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• obligation
• recognition
• thanks