Gratify: meaning, definitions and examples
😊
gratify
[ˈɡræt.ɪ.faɪ ]
Definitions
in a positive way
To give pleasure or satisfaction to; to make happy or satisfied. It often involves fulfilling someone's desires or wishes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gratify |
Used when someone fulfills a desire, feeling, or need, often for someone else's pleasure or approval. It can carry a sense of satisfying a specific urge or wish.
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| please |
General term when the aim is to make someone happy or satisfied, often through actions, gestures, or words.
|
| satisfy |
Used when fulfilling a need, requirement, or expectation in a way that is sufficient or contenting. It can refer to both physical and emotional needs.
|
| indulge |
Appropriate when allowing oneself or someone else to enjoy something that may not always be beneficial, often related to pleasure, luxury, or desires.
|
Examples of usage
- The delicious meal gratified our taste buds.
- She felt gratified by the recognition she received for her hard work.
in a negative way
To indulge someone's desires at the expense of one's own principles or well-being.
Synonyms
cater to, pander, yield to.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gratify |
Used when talking about giving pleasure or satisfaction to someone by fulfilling their wishes or desires. This word is neutral and can be used in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal.
|
| pander |
Used when talking about giving someone what they want, especially when it is not good for them or is done to gain an advantage. This word has a negative connotation as it implies pandering to base or improper desires.
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| cater to |
Used when talking about providing what is needed or wanted by a particular person or group, often implying extra effort to meet someone’s specific demands. It’s commonly used in hospitality, service, and business contexts.
|
| yield to |
Used when talking about giving in to someone else's demands or wishes, often reluctantly. This word can be seen as either neutral or slightly negative, depending on the context, because it implies a surrender of one's own position.
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Examples of usage
- He gratified his boss's unethical requests to keep his job.
- She gratified her child's every whim, leading to spoiled behavior.
Translations
Translations of the word "gratify" in other languages:
🇵🇹 satisfazer
🇮🇳 संतुष्ट करना
🇩🇪 befriedigen
🇮🇩 memuaskan
🇺🇦 задовольняти
🇵🇱 zadowalać
🇯🇵 満足させる
🇫🇷 satisfaire
🇪🇸 satisfacer
🇹🇷 tatmin etmek
🇰🇷 만족시키다
🇸🇦 إرضاء
🇨🇿 uspokojit
🇸🇰 uspokojiť
🇨🇳 满足
🇸🇮 zadovoljiti
🇮🇸 fullnægja
🇰🇿 қанағаттандыру
🇬🇪 დააკმაყოფილოს
🇦🇿 qane etmək
🇲🇽 satisfacer
Etymology
The word 'gratify' originated from the Latin word 'gratificari', which means 'to please or oblige'. It entered the English language in the 16th century. The concept of gratification has been a fundamental aspect of human psychology, as it relates to the fulfillment of desires and the pursuit of happiness. Throughout history, the idea of gratifying oneself or others has been explored in various philosophical and psychological contexts.