Main Entry:

gra·tu·itous

Pronunciation:

\grə-ˈtü-ə-təs, -ˈtyü-\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Latin gratuitus, from gratus

Date:

1656

1 a: given unearned or without recompense b: not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration c: costing nothing : free2: not called for by the circumstances : unwarranted <gratuitous insolence> <a gratuitous assumption>

— gra·tu·itous·ly adverb

— gra·tu·itous·ness noun