gratitude

[grat-i-tood, -tyood]

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

gratitude

/ ˈɡrætɪˌtjuːd /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• overgratitude noun
• ungratitude noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratitude¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratitude¹

C16: from Medieval Latin grātitūdō, from Latin grātus _grateful

Example Sentences

"Eternal is their gratitude, the murderers, the paedophiles, the rapists," read blue graffiti on his tombstone.

Read more on Barron's

And when women make such significant, life-altering decisions, expressing anything short of joy and gratitude is cause for shame.

Read more on Salon

Angel City veteran and New Zealand World Cup standout Ali Riley is retiring with gratitude for her success and optimism about her future.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was the collective gratitude for the privilege of witnessing a human artist take risks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"It's not really out of ego, it's out of this thing of gratitude," he said, "I think that's a very very different impulse."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• acknowledgment 
• obligation 
• recognition 
• thanks