gratified; gratifying

transitive verb

1
: to be a source of or give pleasure or satisfaction to
it gratified him to have his wife wear jewels Willa Cather
2
: to give in to : indulge, satisfy
gratify a whim
3
archaic : remunerate, reward

Did you know?

A gratifying experience is quietly pleasing or satisfying. But gratifying an impulse means giving in to it, which isn't always such a good idea, and "instant gratification" of every desire will result in a life based on junk food and worse. Truly gratifying experiences and accomplishments usually are the result of time and effort.

Examples of gratify in a Sentence

A guilty verdict would gratify the victim's relatives. He's only concerned with gratifying his own desires.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whatever the ratings show, being able to operate within its own social creator ecosystem alongside being on an American juggernaut streaming service feels crucial to why the Sidemen and co seem gratified with their gamble. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 21 July 2025 For investment in industries and productivity and flourishing that might yield something down the road, or for immediately gratifying consumption? Mary Childs, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025 Contracts in general are quite favored for you, while travel could become gratifying in the year ahead. Kyle Thomas, People.com, 8 June 2025 And here’s the story, courtesy of a nudge from Snell, who by sheer serendipity soon after that initial email was offered two seats immediately behind the delightful source of a noise that gratifies some and grates others. Kansas City Star, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for gratify

Word History

Etymology

Middle French gratifier, from Latin gratificari to show kindness to, from gratus + -ificari, passive of -ificare -ify

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of gratify was in 1539

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gratify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratify. Accessed 11 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

gratified; gratifying
1
: to give or be a source of pleasure or satisfaction to
2
: to grant a favor to : indulge
gratification
ˌgrat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən
noun

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