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

Something you accept with a paper napkin under fluorescent lighting and a murmur of gratitude.

From Salon

China's foreign ministry expressed gratitude "to the relevant parties" on Tuesday for helping three Chinese ships to transit out of the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's

Two Chinese container ships were able to pass the strait, and Beijing expressed gratitude to "the relevant parties", a foreign ministry spokeswoman told reporters.

From Barron's

She spoke the Mvskoke word for thank you easily, gratitude flowing out.

From Literature

I shake my head, my words tangled up inside the lump of grief and gratitude that clogs my throat.

From Literature

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• obligation
• recognition
• thanks