gratitude

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

Updated on: 12 May 2018

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

His work not only has garnered the gratitude of Jewish communities around the globe and France’s highest honor, the National Order of the Legion of Honor, but, unwittingly, has also turned him into a leading expert in the methods of genocide.

— sara miller llana, The Christian Science Monitor, "He’s building a record about those persecuted because of their religion," 5 May 2018
Later, an email from another old friend telling me to watch for her newest project gave me a third gratitude entry for my notebook.

— marcy meffert, San Antonio Express-News, "A new driver’s license and old friends," 27 Apr. 2018
Elsewhere in the world gratitude for what the Allied soldiers did is easy to feel because the war is still a dominating presence in people's lives.

— maya dukmasova, Chicago Reader, "Archive Dive / History / News On winning wars and losing memories," 18 Apr. 2018
This was my way to express gratitude and thank you to you.’’ That’s why almost 700 people did to Branstetter.

— terry monahan, Pomerado News, "Nearly 700 gather to honor Wayne Branstetter," 17 Apr. 2018
These sticks, or necklaces, are custom made and composed of any combination of 22 words of intention, i.e., kindness, health, happiness, faith, gratitude and light, that express what the wearer wishes to infuse his or her mind and heart with.

— georgann yara, azcentral, "Equality, finding bigger purpose lead to success for jeweler Addison Taylor Fine Jewelry," 14 Apr. 2018
The woman that does get elected is going to owe her a debt of gratitude.

— recode staff, Recode, "Full transcript: Former communications director for the Hillary Clinton campaign Jennifer Palmieri on Recode Decode," 12 Apr. 2018
Another is a trans man who expressed gratitude that their healthcare wasn’t marginalized because of their gender identity.

— meagan fredette, refinery29.com, "Real Patients Say Thanks On National Day Of Appreciation For Abortion Providers," 10 Mar. 2018
SUBSCRIBE TODAY Lyles, a Democrat who was elected in 2017, tweeted out her gratitude Tuesday.

— mark price, charlotteobserver, "Charlotte's mayor listed among most influential African-American women in the nation | Charlotte Observer," 24 Apr. 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.