gratitude

noun grat·i·tude \ ˈgra-tə-ˌtüd , -ˌtyüd \

|Updated on: 6 Jul 2018

Examples: gratitude in a Sentence

Definition of gratitude

: the state of being grateful : thankfulness

expressed gratitude for their support

See gratitude defined for English-language learners

See gratitude defined for kids

Examples of gratitude in a Sentence

Let me express my sincere gratitude for all your help.
We remember with gratitude those who died defending our country.

Recent Examples of gratitude from the Web

But in New York, 32-year-old Baudel Ivan Osorio Herrera could only feel gratitude to his new nation.

— philip marcelo, The Seattle Times, "Social issues roiling US weigh heavy on Independence Day," 3 July 2018
Following the cocktail, all three designers expressed varying amounts of amazement, modesty and gratitude.

— amy verner, Vogue, "ANDAM Celebrates its 2018 Prize With a Très Chic Cocktail Party," 2 July 2018
If the gratitude market were working correctly, buds would trump flowers, bonsais bouquets and fruit cookies.

— The Economist, "A paradox at the heart of gift-giving," 28 June 2018
Among its tones, the show manages a tender note or two for the character of Thorpe, which leads, in the end, to a convincingly complex portrait—complex enough at least to have included, in this merciless schemer, a capacity for love and gratitude.

— dorothy rabinowitz, WSJ, "‘A Very English Scandal’ Review: Sex, Intrigue and Bunnies," 28 June 2018
The family would also like to express gratitude to Vitas Hospice Care, especially Mary and Wanda, for loving and exemplary care in Connie’s final year of life.

— orlando sentinel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Deaths in Central Florida: 6/24," 24 June 2018
While each client's story was unique, those who shared their experiences with me all expressed sincere gratitude, peace, and a definitive sense of closure.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "A Beginner’s Guide to Communicating With Spirits on the Other Side," 19 June 2018
There is the process of beginning to re-establish normal, and gratitude.

— mac engel, star-telegram, "Cowboys' radio voice opens up about son's fight against cancer," 18 June 2018
Each and every day, the romance and nostalgia of this special song, our anthem, really, elicit this special man’s grace and gratitude to a city that truly loves him.

— catherine bigelow, San Francisco Chronicle, "Honorary San Franciscan Tony Bennett now has his own street," 11 June 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of gratitude

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus grateful

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First Known Use: 1523

in the meaning defined above

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gratitude Synonyms

GRATITUDE Defined for English Language Learners

gratitude

noun

Definition of gratitude for English Language Learners

: a feeling of appreciation or thanks

GRATITUDE Defined for Kids

gratitude

noun grat·i·tude \ ˈgra-tə-ˌtüd , -ˌtyüd \

Definition of gratitude for Students

: a feeling of appreciation

Word Root of gratitude

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.