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Grateful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grateful

[หˆษกreษชtfสŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

thankful for something

Feeling or showing an appreciation for something received or experienced; thankful.

Synonyms

appreciative, obliged, thankful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grateful

This word is often used to express a deep sense of gratitude for something significant. It's a heartfelt acknowledgment of kindness, help, or a favor.

  • I am grateful for your help during my illness.
  • We are grateful for the support of our community.
thankful

This word is commonly used to express relief or appreciation for something good happening, or for avoiding something bad. It's often used in casual conversations.

  • I am thankful it didn't rain during our picnic.
  • We are thankful for the good health of our family.
appreciative

Use this word when you want to show that you value someone's effort, quality, or service. It's less intense than 'grateful' and often used in everyday situations.

  • The customers were appreciative of the excellent service.
  • She was appreciative of his kind words.
obliged

This word is used in a formal or polite context to express that you feel a duty to return a favor or are indebted to someone. It often implies a sense of being bound by gratitude.

  • I am much obliged for your assistance.
  • She felt obliged to thank everyone who helped her.

Examples of usage

  • I am grateful for all the help you've given me.
  • She was grateful for the support of her friends during a difficult time.
Context #2 | Adjective

expressing thanks

Expressing thanks in a kind and appreciative manner.

Synonyms

appreciative, obliged, thankful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grateful

Used when you want to express deep gratitude or when you feel that something important or valuable has been done for you. It often conveys a strong emotional response.

  • I'm so grateful for your help during this difficult time.
  • She felt grateful for the unexpected kindness from a stranger.
appreciative

Applied when you recognize the value or importance of something someone has done for you. It indicates a sense of recognition and is slightly less emotionally intense than 'grateful'.

  • He gave an appreciative nod as she explained her plan.
  • The audience was appreciative of the band's performance.
thankful

Commonly used in everyday scenarios to express feelings of thankfulness, especially for something that has gone well or something positive that has happened.

  • I am thankful for having such supportive friends.
  • We are thankful that the weather was good for our picnic.
obliged

Used to indicate a sense of gratitude that is often accompanied by a feeling of indebtedness or duty. It can sometimes suggest less genuine or formal gratitude.

  • I'm much obliged to you for your assistance.
  • We felt obliged to attend the event because of our prior commitments.

Examples of usage

  • He gave a grateful smile to show his appreciation.
  • A grateful nod of acknowledgment was all she could manage.
Context #3 | Noun

a person who is thankful

A person who is thankful for something or someone.

Synonyms

appreciative individual, thankful person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grateful

Used when expressing deep, genuine thanks, particularly when someone has done something significant or meaningful for you.

  • I am so grateful for your help during my difficult time.
  • She felt grateful to her colleagues for their support.

Examples of usage

  • She was one of the most gratefuls I've ever met.
  • The gratefuls in the audience applauded loudly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that expressing gratitude can improve mental health and reduce feelings of depression.
  • Being grateful is linked to higher levels of happiness and stronger relationships.
  • Research indicates that writing down things you are grateful for can lead to increased optimism.

Culture

  • In many cultures, expressing gratitude is a vital aspect of social interactions and strengthens bonds.
  • Thanksgiving in the United States centers around gratitude, celebrating the harvest with family and friends.
  • Various religions promote the practice of gratitude through prayer and reflection, enhancing community ties.

Literature

  • Many authors and poets have written about gratitude, emphasizing its importance in the human experience.
  • In classics like 'A Christmas Carol', the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge highlights the power of being grateful.
  • Modern self-help books often recommend gratitude journaling as a tool for personal growth.

Origin of 'grateful'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'gratus', meaning pleasing or thankful.
  • It evolved into 'grateful' in Middle English during the 14th century.
  • Similar words like 'grace' and 'gratuity' also share the same Latin root, emphasizing thankfulness.

The word 'grateful' originated from the Latin word 'gratus' meaning 'pleasing' or 'thankful'. It has been used in the English language since the 16th century. The concept of gratitude and being grateful has been valued in various cultures and religions throughout history, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the good things in life.

See also: grater, graticule, grating.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,163, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.