Grateful: meaning, definitions and examples

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grateful

 

[ หˆษกreษชtfสŠl ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
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

Translations of the word "grateful" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น grato

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค†เคญเคพเคฐเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช dankbar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bersyukur

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะดัั‡ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wdziฤ™czny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ„Ÿ่ฌใ—ใฆใ„ใ‚‹ (kansha shiteiru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท reconnaissant

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ agradecido

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท minnettar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ์‚ฌํ•˜๋Š” (gamsahaneun)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู…ุชู† (mumtann)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vdฤ›ฤnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vฤaฤnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ„Ÿๆฟ€ (gวŽnjฤซ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ hvaleลพen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพakklรกtur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั€ะธะทะฐัˆั‹ะปั‹า› ะฑั–ะปะดั–ั€ะตั‚ั–ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒ“แƒšแƒแƒ‘แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜ (madlobeli)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ minnษ™tdar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ agradecido

Etymology

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.