grateful

play

adjective grate·ful \ˈgrāt-fəl\

Definition of grateful

1a : appreciative of benefits receivedb : expressing gratitude grateful thanks
2a : affording pleasure or contentment : pleasingb : pleasing by reason of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated

gratefully

play \ˈgrāt-fə-lē\ adverb

gratefulness

noun

See grateful defined for English-language learners

See grateful defined for kids

Examples of grateful in a Sentence

The voice quacking at the other end of the line sounded surprised and grateful—a young man's eager voice, thankful for the sudden interruption on an otherwise empty afternoon. —Paul Theroux, Granta, Summer 1992
I didn't have to be in love with the man to do this, and my poor body'd probably be grateful to get fed, since it'd been on such a starvation diet. —Terry McMillan, Waiting to Exhale, 1992
Sergeant James Smith was a company clerk, which meant that he carried his commander's maps, Edwards was grateful to learn. —Tom Clancy, Red Storm Rising, 1986
I am grateful for the Latin I took and for the emphasis on English grammar, which seems to have faded from the curriculum. —John Updike, Hugging the Shore, (1983) 1984
The college sent us a grateful acknowledgment of our donation.
I'm grateful to you for your help.
He's grateful for the attention.

Recent Examples of grateful from the Web

JFS President and CEO Danielle Hartman said the agency will be forever grateful to Bernard Sherman for his generosity and philanthropy to JFS.

— randall p. lieberman, Jewish Journal, "Boca man's estate leaves $2.3 million gift to Jewish Family Services", 26 June 2017
In a statement today, spokeswoman Amy Graham said the agency is grateful for the service of BOSC members and is encouraging those with expiring terms to reapply.

— sean reilly, Science | AAAS, "EPA sheds 38 more science advisers, cancels panel meetings", 20 June 2017
Dave is super grateful for all the local talent that's volunteered their time and rocked for the jam's first few months.

— matt wake, AL.com, "Father's Day rocks for these Alabama working musicians", 15 June 2017
Gigliotti is grateful for the kind words from his coaches.

— walter villa, miamiherald, "Archbishop McCarthy product, draft prospect Gigliotti inspired by late mother", 11 June 2017
So grateful to all who participated, servicemen and women, NJROTC, Boy Scouts, and a touching Star Spangled Banner by vocalist Mrs. Jensen.

— sandiegouniontribune.com, "Our Readers Write", 9 June 2017
Williams is grateful for Jared Kushner's role in the company.

— ellen huet, Bloomberg.com, "Startup’s Ties to Kushners Came With Benefits, Until It Got Complicated", 7 June 2017
Ballot bulletin: Jason Heyward was extremely grateful to be included among the top three National League outfielders in the latest voting for the July 11 All-Star Game in Miami.

— mark gonzales, chicagotribune.com, "Cubs manager Joe Maddon doesn't understand fuss about multiple lineups", 5 June 2017
Regardless, that scene between Matt and Nora was one of the most moving the show has offered, with Nora grateful for Matt’s company and lack of judgment, and Matt determined to just be there for her, and not hector or sermonize.

— spencer kornhaber and sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Leftovers: A Nicer Story", 4 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of grateful

obsolete grate pleasing, thankful, from Latin gratus — more at grace

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First Known Use: 1552

See Words from the same year

GRATEFUL Defined for English Language Learners

grateful

play

adjective

Definition of grateful for English Language Learners

: feeling or showing thanks : feeling or showing thanks to someone for some helpful act

GRATEFUL Defined for Kids

grateful

play

adjective grate·ful \ˈgrāt-fəl\

Definition of grateful for Students

1 : feeling or showing thanks I'm grateful for your help.
2 : providing pleasure or comfort … the blended scents of tea and coffee were so grateful to the nose … — Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

gratefully

\-fə-lē\ adverb

Word Root of grateful

The Latin word gratus, meaning “pleasing” or “thankful,” gives us the root grat. Words from the Latin gratus have something to do with being pleasing or being thankful. To ingratiate yourself is to make others feel thankful for something you've done. To feel grateful is to feel thankful for something. Gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness. To congratulate is to express how pleasing someone's success is.