grace

¹grace

noun \ˈgrās\

Definition of GRACE

1

a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification

b : a virtue coming from God

c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace

2

a : approval, favor <stayed in his good graces>

b archaic : mercy, pardon

c : a special favor : privilege <each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling>

d : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

e : a temporary exemption : reprieve

3

a : a charming or attractive trait or characteristic

b : a pleasing appearance or effect : charm <all the grace of youth — John Buchan>

c : ease and suppleness of movement or bearing

4

—used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop

5

: a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks

6

plural capitalized : three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty

7

: a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura

8

a : sense of propriety or right <had the grace not to run for elective office — Calvin Trillin>

b : the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful

Examples of GRACE

1. She walked across the stage with effortless grace.
2. She handles her problems with grace and dignity.
3. He has shown remarkable grace during this crisis.
4. She is quite lovable despite her lack of social graces.
5. Let us give thanks for God's grace.
6. By the grace of God, no one was seriously hurt.
7. She tried to live her life in God's grace.

Origin of GRACE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin gratia favor, charm, thanks, from gratus pleasing, grateful; akin to Sanskrit gṛṇāti he praises

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to GRACE

Synonyms

benevolence, boon, courtesy, favor, indulgence, kindness, mercy, service, turn

Antonyms

gracelessness, inelegance

Related Words

dispensation, waiver; advantage, benefit, blessing, godsend, manna; liberty, license (or licence), privilege

Near Antonyms

hindrance, hurdle, impediment, interference, obstacle

See Synonym Discussion at mercy

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

Rhymes with GRACE

ace, base, bass, brace, case, chase, dace, face, lace, mace, Mace, Naas, pace, place, plaice, prase, race, res, space, Thrace, trace, vase, Wace

²grace

transitive verb

gracedgrac·ing

Definition of GRACE

1

: to confer dignity or honor on

2

: adorn, embellish <graveled walks graced with statues — J. A. Michener>

Examples of GRACE

1. Several marble statues grace the courtyard.
2. <I hope that you will grace our gathering with your presence.>

First Known Use of GRACE

1585

Related to GRACE

Synonyms

adorn, array, beautify, bedeck, bedizen, blazon, caparison, deck, do, doll up, do up, drape, dress, embellish, emblaze, emboss, enrich, fancify, fancy up, festoon, garnish, glitz (up), decorate, gussy up, ornament, pretty (up), trim

Antonyms

blemish, deface, disfigure, mar, scar, spoil

Related Words

accessorize, dress up, trap, trick (out); brighten, freshen, smarten, spruce (up); boss, chase; braid, embroider, feather, figure, filigree, fillet, flounce, frill, fringe, furbelow, garland, hang, lace, ribbon, swag, wreathe; appliqué, gild, paint; diamond, gem, impearl, jewel, pearl; redecorate, redo

Near Antonyms

simplify, streamline; bare, denude, dismantle, display, divest, expose, reveal, strip, uncover; uglify

grace

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In Christian theology, the unmerited gift of divine favour, which brings about the salvation of a sinner. The concept of grace has given rise to theological debate over the nature of human depravity and the extent to which individuals may contribute to their own salvation through free will. Though in principle the ideas of merit and grace are mutually exclusive, the question of whether grace may be given as a reward for good works or for faith alone was important in the Protestant Reformation. There has also been controversy over the means of grace: Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and some Protestants believe that it is conferred through the sacraments, while some other Protestants (e.g., Baptists) hold that participation in grace results from personal faith alone. See also justification; original sin.