Gratuity: meaning, definitions and examples

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gratuity

[ɡrəˈtjuːɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a restaurant

A gratuity is a tip that is given to a waiter or waitress in addition to the bill for the meal. It is usually a percentage of the total bill and is a way to show appreciation for good service.

Synonyms

bonus, reward, tip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gratuity	Gratuity is typically used for a sum of money given to someone for their services, especially in a formal or professional setting. This term is often used in the context of end-of-service benefits. The company provides a gratuity to employees who have worked for more than five years
tip	Tip refers to a small amount of extra money given to someone who provides a service, like a waiter or taxi driver. It is usually informal and voluntary. She left a generous tip for the waitress because the service was excellent
reward	Reward is a broad term used to describe any form of compensation or benefit given in recognition of an achievement or good behavior. It can be used in various contexts. The company offered a reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen property
bonus	Bonus is used to describe extra money given to employees as a reward, usually based on performance or company profits. This term is commonly used in the workplace. Employees received a year-end bonus for meeting their sales targets

Examples of usage

The gratuity is not included in the bill, so you can decide how much to tip the server.
It is customary to leave a 15-20% gratuity for good service at a restaurant.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general usage

A gratuity is a small sum of money given in return for a service rendered, especially when it is not obligatory.

Synonyms

bribe, tip, token of appreciation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gratuity	Often refers to a sum of money given voluntarily for services, typically in a formal or semi-formal setting, such as a hotel, restaurant, or transportation. It is generally recognized as a polite and appreciative gesture. The hotel staff received a generous gratuity for their excellent service He left a gratuity of 15% on the dining bill
tip	Commonly used to denote a small amount of money given to someone for their service, usually in informal settings like restaurants, bars, or personal services. It is a more casual term than 'gratuity.' She left a tip for the waiter after an enjoyable meal It's customary to give the delivery driver a tip for their quick service
token of appreciation	Refers to a small gift or gesture given to show gratitude, often not necessarily monetary, and used in both personal and professional settings. They gave her a token of appreciation for her hard work on the project As a token of appreciation, he received a handmade card from his students
bribe	Used when referring to money or gifts given to someone to influence their behavior or decisions, typically in an illegal or unethical way. This term has a strongly negative connotation. The official was caught accepting a bribe to overlook the violations Offering a bribe to a police officer is a serious crime

Examples of usage

I always leave a gratuity for the housekeeping staff when staying at a hotel.
The tour guide was so informative that we decided to give him a gratuity at the end of the tour.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'gratus,' meaning 'thankful' or 'pleasing,' highlighting the idea of giving thanks.
It entered the English language in the early 18th century, reflecting social practices of rewarding service.
'Gratuity' is often shortened to 'tip,' which has an unclear origin but may stem from an old phrase meaning 'To Insure Promptitude.'

Cultural Practices

In the U.S., the social norm is to tip between 15-20% at restaurants, though this can vary based on the quality of service.
In Japan, tipping can be seen as rude, as excellent service is considered standard, whereas in other cultures it is part of the dining experience.
Some countries include service charges directly in the bill, making tips less common.

History

Historically, gratuities date back to the 16th century in England where it began as gifts of appreciation to servants.
In colonial America, tipping became popular in the 19th century as a way to supplement low wages for service workers.
The practice faced criticism in the early 20th century, seen by some as a sign of class disparity.

Psychology

Giving gratuities can enhance the giver's mood, creating a sense of social connection and gratitude.
Customers who leave tips often feel more satisfied with their dining experience, as they believe they are rewarding good service.
Studies suggest that tipping can also relate to social status, where higher earners may tip more to signify their economic position.

Economics

Tips can represent a significant portion of income for many service workers, sometimes constituting more than half of their earnings.
In certain industries, such as hospitality, the reliance on gratuities can shape pay structures and influence hiring practices.
The debate continues about whether tips should be treated as part of taxable income, affecting financial and tax policies globally.

Translations

Translations of the word "gratuity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gratificação

🇮🇳 पुरस्कार

🇩🇪 Trinkgeld

🇮🇩 uang tip

🇺🇦 чайові

🇵🇱 napiwek

🇯🇵 チップ

🇫🇷 pourboire

🇪🇸 propina

🇹🇷 bahşiş

🇰🇷 팁

🇸🇦 بقشيش

🇨🇿 spropitné

🇸🇰 sprepitné

🇨🇳 小费

🇸🇮 napitnina

🇮🇸 þjórfé

🇰🇿 шайлық

🇬🇪 ჩაის ფული

🇦🇿 çaypulu

🇲🇽 propina

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,693, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17690 curd
17691 hating
17692 bereavement
17693 gratuity
17694 bargained
17695 genteel
17696 hastening
...