gratitude

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

|Updated on: 22 Jun 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

Whatever the personality trait in question, there is evidence the disciplined application of an effective behavioral approach (exercise, meditation, journaling, practicing gratitude, etc.), has the potential to bring about change.

— philip chard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "People can change if they put in sustained hard work," 8 June 2018
As usual, an extra helping of gratitude to our engineer Brett Fuchs.

— cnt editors, Condé Nast Traveler, "Why Plastic in Our Oceans Is a Travel Problem, Too: Travelogue Podcast," 8 June 2018
Across Lake County, a number of Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday saw American flags waving in the wind as people expressed sentiments of profound gratitude for those who served and lost their lives fighting for the safety of the nation.

— yadira sanchez olson, Lake County News-Sun, "Speaker explains importance of freedom of religion at Gurnee Memorial Day event," 28 May 2018
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the prayers and support of our friends, their church families, Vitas Hospice, and the staff at Oakmonte Village Assisted Living in Lake Mary, Florida.

— OrlandoSentinel.com, "Deaths in Central Florida: 5/8," 8 May 2018
My heart is full of gratitude for the prosecution, the six victims who testified, especially Andrea Constand, and the jury.

— gabriella paiella, The Cut, "Nineteen Cosby survivors on finally getting a guilty verdict.," 27 Apr. 2018
There has been a feeling of reverence for a civil rights icon of paying homage to King's struggle for justice and a palpable sense of gratitude for his ultimate sacrifice.

— james brown, CBS News, "50 years after assassination, America pays tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy," 4 Apr. 2018
In gratitude, college trustees named that new building after him.

— nina burleigh, Newsweek, "The Battle Against ‘Hate Speech’ on College Campuses Gives Rise to a Generation That Hates Speech," 26 May 2016
Perhaps exaggerated gratitude towards acquaintances and strangers is a way of turning them into friends.

— The Economist, "Another’s wasted investment is as disturbing as one’s own," 31 May 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.