gracious

One entry found for gracious.

Main Entry: gra·cious
Pronunciation: 'grA-sh&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French gracieus, from Latin gratiosus enjoying favor, agreeable, from gratia
1 a obsolete : GODLY b archaic : PLEASING, ACCEPTABLE
2 a : marked by kindness and courtesy <a gracious host> b : GRACEFUL c : marked by tact and delicacy : URBANE d : characterized by charm, good taste, generosity of spirit, and the tasteful leisure of wealth and good breeding <gracious living>
3 : MERCIFUL, COMPASSIONATE -- used conventionally of royalty and high nobility
- gra·cious·ly adverb
- gra·cious·ness noun
synonyms GRACIOUS, CORDIAL, AFFABLE, GENIAL, SOCIABLE mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse. GRACIOUS implies courtesy and kindly consideration <the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues>. CORDIAL stresses warmth and heartiness <our host was cordial as he greeted us>. AFFABLE implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals <though wealthy, she was affable to all>. GENIAL stresses cheerfulness and even joviality <a genial companion with a ready quip>. SOCIABLE suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others <sociable people who enjoy entertaining>.