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

She will become his doctor, out of a sense of both guilt and gratitude for the help he gives to her and Warren; she waives the usual fee, which he can’t pay anyway.

From The Wall Street Journal

Most of us still have gratitude for our country, pride in its history and confidence in its future.

From The Wall Street Journal

But they suggest that Americans have more gratitude, confidence, agency and resilience than they get credit for.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a Nov. 23, 2014, recommendation letter, Sullivan, by then an Army captain, wrote that granting Sodais a visa “is the least that can be done in order to express America’s gratitude for his services.”

From Los Angeles Times

The same expressions of gratitude for gifts and buying records and descriptions of touring and the band’s other activities, but they definitely sound tired and a little loopy.

From Salon

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• obligation
• recognition
• thanks