gracious

adjective gra·cious \ ˈgrā-shəs \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of gracious

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

my gracious lord, the Duke of Windsor

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graciously

adverb

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graciousness

noun

See gracious defined for English-language learners

See gracious defined for kids

Examples of gracious in a Sentence

This is not a surprise given the welcome, gracious atmosphere, the uncommon competence of the kitchen, with its familiar Little Italy Italian menu … and the restaurant's credible wine list. —Mark Bittman, New York Times, 26 June 2002
If there are not too many in the group, you might inquire solicitously about their health. If you are in a particularly gracious mood, you might even give them a brief resume of your physical condition. —Groucho Marx, letter, 15 Nov. 1951, in The Groucho Letters, 1987
Phoebe closed her eyes, seeing her father moving like a shadow among his guests, gracious, smiling, pouring wine and exchanging greetings. —Judith Berry Griffin, Phoebe the Spy, 1977
The reception started in orderly enough fashion—gracious and leisurely. Paula Locker, the President of the Club, met me at the door, and I took my place in line with her, with Fishbait Miller doing the introducing. —Lady Bird Johnson, A White House Diary, 1970
Thank you for your gracious hospitality.
The magazine promotes gracious living.

Recent Examples of gracious from the Web

Moss, renowned interior designer, prolific author, gardener and tastemaker, will talk about her book which celebrates gracious hospitality, from assembling striking place settings to hosting a dinner party or simply serving an elegant afternoon tea.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The West Hartford Edition," 17 Apr. 2018
Word on the course is, Ronald McDonald! is gracious enough, but Milli Vanilli!

— paul daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Doc on Masters 2018: 'Dilly-dilly' elsewhere – the beauty is in the civility at Augusta," 4 Apr. 2018
The team charter arrived early in the morning from San Diego, and with the holiday and everyone scrambling to get settled in their homes for the season, having the club take care of the meal was beyond gracious, not to mention much appreciated.

— tom haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Haudricourt: Cardinals have knack for spoiling Brewers' parties, so chalk up another one," 2 Apr. 2018
Conor McGregor isn’t known as the most gracious fighter in the UFC — especially during the buildup to a fight — but the trash-talking champ typically showers his opponents with praise following a bout.

— steven ruiz, For The Win, "Conor McGregor sends classy message to Frankie Edgar after knockout loss at UFC 222," 4 Mar. 2018
Wearing a body-con minidress from her Spring 2018 Tribute collection to her late brother Gianni and sensationally high platform sandals, the gracious Donatella charmed them all.

— nicole phelps, Vogue, "Donatella Versace Talks Entrepreneurship, the House’s Spring 2018 Tribute Collection, and Her Dog Audrey, at Saks," 21 Mar. 2018
Carrie Cochran/The Enquirer Dear Cincinnatians: Goodness gracious, what an embarrassing week in Cincinnati politics.

— jason williams, Cincinnati.com, "PX column: Cincinnati City Hall's 1st quarter progress report. Warning: It's not pretty," 16 Mar. 2018
There was always its food and nonpareil service—gracious, respectful, ever present but never intrusive—but also innovations small and large that kept all classes of fliers happy.

— david denicolo, Town & Country, "Here's What It's Like to Fly in the Ultimate First Class Cabin," 14 Mar. 2018
Muguruza was disappointed but gracious in defeat, saying Vickery had earned the win by seizing control of the match just as Muguruza seemed about to run away with it.

— helene elliott, latimes.com, "Sachia Vickery surprises Garbine Muguruza and herself with upset victory," 10 Mar. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of gracious

Middle English, from Anglo-French gracieus, from Latin gratiosus enjoying favor, agreeable, from gratia

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

gracious Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of gracious

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

GRACIOUS Defined for English Language Learners

gracious

adjective

Definition of gracious for English Language Learners

: very polite in a way that shows respect
: having or showing the attractive things (such as charm, good taste, and comfort) that are associated with having a lot of money
—used as an interjection to express mild surprise or for emphasis