gratitude

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

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

In gratitude for Breintnall’s dedicated service, the Library Company voted her a gift of 15 pounds and, for their son, free lifetime use of the books.

— jeanette lerman, Philly.com, "Meet Ben Franklin's tragic pal who made Pa.'s paper money hack-proof," 25 Aug. 2017
Talk to people who have given to the Charlotte Observer Summer Camp Fund, and one theme keeps coming up: gratitude.

— melinda johnston, charlotteobserver, "Summer Camp Fund: Behind every donation, there’s a story," 18 Aug. 2017
From innumerable private moments with his family and friends, to countless public interactions with millions in his various roles, Coach Broyles shared his attitude of gratitude and encouraged others to make a difference.

— chris chavez, SI.com, "Legendary Arkansas Coach, Athletic Director Frank Broyles Dies at 92," 14 Aug. 2017
The custardy egg omelet serves as dessert with just the right (slightly) sweet note—a humble cube of gratitude to end the night.

— garrett snyder, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Los Angeles Magazine Hot Restaurant List for July 2017," 18 July 2017
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has extended virtual thanks to an anonymous restaurant server from Rexburg after the server paid the bill for two sheriff’s deputies and left a note of gratitude.

— nicole blanchard, idahostatesman, "Rexburg server pays it forward — literally — for two sheriff’s deputies," 12 July 2017
For my mother, ironing was a manifestation of her enormous gratitude for and pride in her life.

— e. clorisa phillips, The Christian Science Monitor, "The press of gratitude," 6 July 2017
Others echoed similar sentiments and expressed gratitude for the gifts.

— alicia fabbre, Daily Southtown, "Groups help needy veterans in Will County," 5 July 2017
The fan showed his gratitude and posted a screenshot of their short but sweet exchange on Twitter.

— cara zimmerman, Harper's BAZAAR, "Rihanna Gives the Best Breakup Advice To A Heartbroken Fan," 22 June 2017

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

Synonyms

appreciation, appreciativeness, gratefulness, thanks, thankfulness

Antonyms

ingratitude, thanklessness, unappreciation, ungratefulness

Related Words

thanksgiving; gratification, indebtedness, satisfaction; acknowledgment (or acknowledgement), recognition, tribute

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.