grace

play

noun \ˈgrās\

Definition of grace

1a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctificationb : a virtue coming from Godc : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance
2a : approval, favor stayed in his good gracesb archaic : mercy, pardonc : a special favor : privilege each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kiplingd : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemencye : a temporary exemption : reprieve
3a : a charming or attractive trait or characteristic Among disagreeable qualities he possessed the saving grace of humor.b : a pleasing appearance or effect : charm all the grace of youth — John Buchanc : ease and suppleness (see ¹supple 2b) of movement or bearing danced with such grace
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 Graces plural : three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty
7 : a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura
8a : sense of propriety or right had the grace not to run for elective office — Calvin Trillinb : the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful accepted his advice with grace

See grace defined for English-language learners

See grace defined for kids

Examples of grace in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of grace from the Web

The saving grace in the past was that the vast majority of SOE business was within China.

— The Economist, "Reform of China’s ailing state-owned firms is emboldening them," 20 July 2017
He's gotten through so much difficulty with so much grace.

— aria bendix, The Atlantic, "John McCain Diagnosed With Brain Cancer," 19 July 2017
Manchester has named Ariana as the first ever honorary citizen of the city — the highest possible honor any city can bestow on an individual — stemming from the musician's grace and humility after the attack.

— devon ivie, Teen Vogue, "Ariana Grande Responds to Being Named an Honorary Citizen of Manchester," 13 July 2017
Outfielders: Grace Salaja, soph., Arrowhead; Claire Mann, jr., Arrowhead; Megan Abatto, jr., Kettle Moraine; Amanda Janiszewski, jr., Muskego.

— mark stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Softball all-conference teams," 5 July 2017
There’s always the sense that understanding the game’s map a little better—of handling a sudden firefight with just a little more grace—

— reid mccarter, GQ, "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Is Brutal, Cynical, Ugly—and Hugely Popular," 5 July 2017
A People Without a King Grace on the Fourth of July — Charles C. W. Cooke is the editor of National Review Online.

— charles c. w. cooke, National Review, "My American Dream," 4 July 2017
It was described to me as being the saving grace for working women—

— leah bourne, Glamour, "These Subscription Boxes Want to Change the Way We Buy Clothes—So We Put Them to the Test," 1 July 2017
Grace’s presence gave Hawaii Five-0 a beauty and serenity to each episode.

— natalie abrams, PEOPLE.com, "Hawaii Five-0 Shocker! Grace Park and Daniel Dae Kim Exit Ahead of Season 8," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grace.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of grace

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 12th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of grace

mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it. threw himself on the mercy of the court charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others. show a little charity for the less fortunate clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing. the judge refused to show clemency grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions. by the grace of God leniency implies lack of severity in punishing. criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Other Christian Religious Terms

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

grace

verb

Definition of grace

graced

;

gracing

transitive verb
1 : to confer dignity or honor on The king graced him with the rank of a knight.
2 : adorn, embellish graveled walks graced with statues — J. A. Michener

See grace defined for English-language learners

Examples of grace in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of grace from the Web

This skatepark lures skaters from around the world, and San Diego legends like Tony Hawk have graced its ramps.

— michael benninger, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "The f#ck-it list: Things to do before you die," 3 July 2017
In the spring of this year, Kendall graced the cover of Vogue India.

— ruth kinane, EW.com, "Keeping up with Kendall and Kylie Jenner's scandals: A timeline," 30 June 2017
Williams graced the cover of the newest issue of the Vanity Fair, wearing nothing but a delicate silver body chain around her hips.

— andrea park, SELF, "Serena Williams Poses Nude on the Cover of Vanity Fair," 27 June 2017
Casey Short graces the cover of the Chicago Red Stars' 2017 online media guide.

— matt le cren, Naperville Sun, "Naperville native Casey Short excels for Red Stars, U.S. national team," 22 June 2017
Monster Hunter World This is not a drill: The new Monster Hunter game will grace PCs as well as consoles.

— brad chacos, PCWorld, "40 must-see PC gaming gems from E3 2017: Watch every trailer," 13 June 2017
Monster Hunter World This is not a drill: The new Monster Hunter game will grace PCs as well as consoles.

— brad chacos, PCWorld, "40 must-see PC gaming gems from E3 2017: Watch every trailer," 13 June 2017
Appropriately, a cheese plate embellished with grapes and a bevy of sparkling glasses graced each table in the main dining room of the Oakmont Country Club.

— joyce rudolph, Glendale News-Press, "On the Town: Sorority women toast to the grape at benefit," 9 May 2017
Channel 3 Dillon Francis, Empire of the Sun and Steve Angello are among the artists who will grace Channel 3 on Friday.

— mikael wood, latimes.com, "Lady Gaga headlined Coachella on Saturday and here's what it looked like," 16 Apr. 2017

Origin and Etymology of grace

see ¹grace

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1585

See Words from the same year

GRACE Defined for English Language Learners

grace

play

noun

Definition of grace for English Language Learners

: a way of moving that is smooth and attractive and that is not stiff or awkward
: a controlled, polite, and pleasant way of behaving
graces : skills that are needed for behaving in a polite way in social situations

grace

verb

Definition of grace for English Language Learners

: to decorate or add beauty to (something)

GRACE Defined for Kids

grace

play

noun \ˈgrās\

Definition of grace for Students

1 : a short prayer at a meal
2 : beauty and ease of movement
3 : pleasant, controlled, and polite behavior social graces She handled the situation with grace.
4 : goodwill, favor They were saved by the grace of God.
5 : the condition of being in favor He tried to get in their good graces.

grace

play

verb

Definition of grace for Students

graced

;

gracing

1 : to do credit to : honor Will you grace us with your presence?
2 : to make more attractive : adorn A fountain graces the garden.

Law Dictionary

grace

noun

Legal Definition of grace

1 : a special favor : privilege considered by many authorities to be a matter of grace and not of right — The Mentally Disabled and the Law
2a : a temporary exemption b : the prerogative of mercy exercised (as by a chief executive) or granted in the form of equitable relief