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

“My heart is exploding in gratitude. ... Thank you to my family, I’m grateful,” Murphy said, turning to Anderson.

From Los Angeles Times

Some have gone further, citing emails in which women expressed gratitude or warmth toward Epstein as evidence of complicity or consent.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It definitely is helping me find gratitude in many small things, makes me appreciate what I haven’t lost,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Telling the dancers about Bodytraffic’s end was difficult and sad for Berkett, but she says she was met with gratitude and empathy for her desire to evolve.

From Los Angeles Times

Cipriani said Shell expressed “effusive gratitude” to him after he planted a story about another entertainment industry figure “in order to divert media attention” away from Shell.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• obligation
• recognition
• thanks