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

Islamic fasting is oriented toward submission to divine will, while Christian penance is animated by gratitude for the incarnate God who suffered, died and rose again for the salvation of humanity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even in a world that feels so overwhelming, we can all find an object from which to derive a sense of gratitude,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

The recipient is expected to wear the shoes and perform gratitude.

From Salon

Police told Mabel that the young woman also expressed gratitude and relief that work was continuing to find and take down images and videos of her.

From BBC

Together we climbed onto the train, together found seats in a crowded compartment, together wept tears of gratitude.

From Literature

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• obligation
• recognition
• thanks