Gratitude: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• I felt immense gratitude for the support I received during my tough times
• She expressed her gratitude to the team for their hard work

Often used to describe a warm and heartfelt feeling of being grateful, usually in personal and emotional contexts.

• She felt a deep sense of thankfulness for her family's support
• He expressed his thankfulness in a heartfelt speech

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.

• I have a deep appreciation for your honesty
• Everyone showed their appreciation for his efforts by giving him a round of applause

Best used to formally acknowledge someone's achievements or contributions. Often used in professional settings or when awarding someone.

• The company gave her recognition for her exceptional performance
• His hard work finally got the recognition it deserved

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.

• She felt a deep sense of gratitude for the support of her friends during her difficult times.
• He expressed his gratitude to the hospital staff for their exceptional care.

Feeling or expressing a more general sense of being thankful or relieved. It has a warm and less formal tone compared to 'gratitude'.

• Her thankfulness for the sunny weather was evident in her cheerful mood.
• He showed his thankfulness with a simple yet sincere smile.

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.

• We showed our appreciation to the team by organizing a small celebration.
• She has a deep appreciation for classical music.

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.

• They gathered for a family Thanksgiving dinner.
• The church held a special service of thanksgiving for the successful harvest.

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.

• She expressed her gratitude for their support during her difficult times.
• He felt immense gratitude for the opportunities he was given.

This is used to describe a feeling of being pleased and relieved, often in a more personal, less formal way than 'gratitude'.

• She felt a deep sense of thankfulness for her good health.
• There was thankfulness in his voice as he recounted the story.

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.

• The manager showed appreciation for his team's hard work.
• Her appreciation of fine art is evident in her collection.

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.

• Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather and share a meal.
• They held a thanksgiving service at the church.