Gratitude Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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gratitude
[หษกradษชtjuหd ]
Definitions
expressing thanks
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Synonyms
appreciation, recognition, thankfulness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gratitude |
Best used when you want to express a deep sense of thankfulness for someone's help, kindness, or generosity. It's often used in more formal contexts.
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| thankfulness |
Often used to describe a warm and heartfelt feeling of being grateful, usually in personal and emotional contexts.
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| appreciation |
Suitable for showing a general sense of thankfulness and value for someone's actions, efforts, or qualities. Often used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| recognition |
Best used to formally acknowledge someone's achievements or contributions. Often used in professional settings or when awarding someone.
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Examples of usage
- She expressed her gratitude for all the help she had received.
- I want to show my gratitude by helping others in need.
feeling grateful
Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for the good things in one's life.
Synonyms
appreciation, thankfulness, thanksgiving.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gratitude |
Expressing a deep and sincere feeling of thankfulness, especially for something significant or heartfelt. It often implies a long-term or profound sense of being grateful.
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| thankfulness |
Feeling or expressing a more general sense of being thankful or relieved. It has a warm and less formal tone compared to 'gratitude'.
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| appreciation |
Showing recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something, or understanding the value of an act. This term can be used in both professional and personal situations.
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| thanksgiving |
A specific context usually associated with the holiday of Thanksgiving in the United States, or a formal expression of giving thanks, particularly in a ceremonial or religious context.
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Examples of usage
- She felt overwhelming gratitude towards her family for their support.
- His heart was filled with gratitude for the opportunities he had been given.
religious context
Gratitude is a virtue in many religious traditions, seen as a way to connect with the divine and show reverence.
Synonyms
appreciation, thankfulness, thanksgiving.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gratitude |
This word is often used to express a general sense of being thankful for what someone has done or what life has provided. It is a deeper, heartfelt emotion.
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| thankfulness |
This is used to describe a feeling of being pleased and relieved, often in a more personal, less formal way than 'gratitude'.
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| appreciation |
Use this in professional or formal contexts to recognize someone's efforts or the value of something. It can also be used to show understanding of someone's feelings or situations.
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| thanksgiving |
Mostly used in the context of the American holiday, which is a time to give thanks and show gratitude. Can also be used in religious contexts.
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Examples of usage
- In Buddhism, gratitude is practiced as a form of mindfulness and compassion.
- Many prayers include expressions of gratitude for the blessings received.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Latin 'gratitudo', which means thankfulness or grace.
- Historically, gratitude has played an important role in many cultures, often considered a virtue and a key element of social harmony.
- In ancient Rome, expressing gratitude was seen as a moral duty, often associated with the concept of 'fides' or loyalty.
Psychology
- Studies show that regularly expressing gratitude can improve mental health and enhance happiness.
- Gratitude can strengthen relationships by fostering positive feelings and encouraging kindness between people.
- Practicing gratitude has been linked to better physical health, including lower blood pressure and improved sleep.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, giving thanks is an important ritual, such as during Thanksgiving in the United States or the Diwali festival in India.
- Gratitude practices can be found in religious texts around the world, including the Bible and the Quran, highlighting its universal importance.
- In Japanese culture, the phrase 'Arigato Gozaimasu' literally means 'thank you', and is a fundamental part of social etiquette.
Literature
- Numerous authors, including Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey, have emphasized the transformative power of gratitude in their writings.
- In classic literature, expressions of thanks often serve as critical turning points for character development or plot resolution.
- Gratitude in poetry is a popular theme, often reflecting the beauty of small moments and the importance of human connections.
Origin of 'gratitude'
The word 'gratitude' originated from the Latin word 'gratitudo', meaning 'thankfulness' or 'grace'. The concept of gratitude has been valued in various cultures and religions throughout history as a virtue that promotes positive emotions and social bonds. Expressing gratitude is seen as a way to acknowledge the kindness of others and cultivate a sense of appreciation for the good things in life.
See also: gratuity.