gratitude

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

Updated on: 14 Apr 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

The short-term argument for keeping US troops in Syria is about supporting these Kurds, both as an unspoken mark of gratitude for their sacrifice in nearly defeating ISIS and as a bulwark against the group's re-emergence.

— nick paton walsh, CNN, "The US gets more from its Mideast policy than Trump thinks," 4 Apr. 2018
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the nurses and doctors at Hartford Hospital for Sally's care.

— courant.com, "Sally Williams," 29 Mar. 2018
Rather than thanking Trump, Mattis instead thanked the men and women at the Defense Department for the chance to represent them, expressing his gratitude to the sacrifices made by U.S. soldiers on behalf of its diplomacy.

— chicagotribune.com, "Mattis is an ancient Roman action hero," 29 Mar. 2018
Homework assignments for the class, also known as Psyc 157, include showing more gratitude, performing acts of kindness, and bumping up social connections.

— angela moore, The Christian Science Monitor, "Yale students find anxiety relief in popular happiness course," 29 Mar. 2018
Nor the gratitude from families or the warm fuzzy feelings that can follow.

— jonathan glover, The Seattle Times, "Trail of ashes: A Spokane man’s work to restore identity to the unclaimed dead," 29 Mar. 2018
The restaurant extends their gratitude to their staff as well as so many others, who helped repair the restaurant so quickly, Mallegni said.

— karen pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mr. B’s - A Bartolotta Steakhouse has a successful reopening after fire damage," 27 Feb. 2018
Lochte later took to Twitter to express his gratitude to the company for taking a chance on him.

— gina mei, Cosmopolitan, "Ryan Lochte Gets a Cough Drop Sponsorship Following His Rio Scandal," 26 Aug. 2016
Pouncey, whose twin brother Maurkice plays center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, cried tears of gratitude while addressing the media after receiving his 2015 contract extension from the Dolphins.

— chris perkins, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Former Dolphins center Mike Pouncey to sign with Chargers," 19 Mar. 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

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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.