Thankful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thankful

[ˈθaNGkf(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

expressing gratitude

feeling or showing gratitude; appreciative.

Synonyms

appreciative, grateful, indebted, obliged, thank-you.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thankful	Used when expressing general gratitude or relief for something positive or avoiding something negative. I'm thankful for the support of my friends She was thankful the storm passed without causing too much damage
grateful	Expresses a stronger sense of deep emotional gratitude, often for something significant or impactful. It conveys a deeper sense than 'thankful'. I am deeply grateful for all the help you've given me She felt grateful for the opportunity to visit her hometown
appreciative	Used when expressing deep, often ongoing, recognition of value or kindness received. It implies a clear understanding and personal acknowledgment of the act. He is always appreciative of the efforts his team puts in I am appreciative of the chance to work with such talented individuals
obliged	Indicates a sense of duty or a need to repay a favor. It can sometimes imply a formal or pressured feeling of thanks. I feel obliged to return the favor We're obliged to our neighbors for their help during the move
indebted	Used when feeling that one owes something in return for assistance or kindness received. It often indicates a sense of moral obligation or debt. I am forever indebted to my mentor for guiding me The community feels indebted to the volunteers who helped rebuild after the flood
thank-you	Used in direct expressions when conveying thanks. This is often used in written or spoken manners to directly address someone. Thank-you for your assistance yesterday She wrote a thank-you note to her teacher

Examples of usage

She was thankful for the support of her friends during a difficult time.
I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow.
The community was thankful for the generous donation.
He sent a thankful note to express his gratitude.
The children were thankful for the delicious meal.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

easily provoked to thankfulness

conveying thanks or gratitude.

Synonyms

appreciative, grateful, indebted, obliged, thank-you.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thankful	Used when expressing general thanks, often for a specific situation or event that has happened. It's informal and can be used in everyday conversations. I'm thankful for your help today. She felt thankful for the sunny weather.
grateful	Used to express deep emotional thankfulness, often for help or kindness received. It is stronger and more formal than 'thankful'. I am grateful for your support during these tough times. We're grateful to have such understanding neighbors.
appreciative	Used when expressing a sincere recognition of someone's effort, kindness, or qualities. It conveys a deeper level of recognition and awareness. The employees were appreciative of the bonus they received. I am highly appreciative of your guidance.
obliged	Used to express a formal or polite sense of thankfulness, often in response to social or professional favors. It can sometimes imply a feeling of obligation. I am much obliged for your prompt reply. We are obliged to our partners for their assistance in the project.
indebted	Used to express a strong sense of owing someone for their help or favors. It implies a feeling of duty to repay the kindness. Often has a serious or formal tone. I am deeply indebted to my mentor for his constant support. We are forever indebted to those who sacrificed for our freedom.
thank-you	Used to directly express thanks, often in a straightforward, casual manner. Suitable for written communication, like notes or emails. Thank-you for the lovely gift! I wanted to send a quick thank-you for your help.

Examples of usage

The thankful message brought tears to her eyes.
He gave a thankful smile to show his appreciation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culture

In many cultures, expressing gratitude is seen as a virtue essential for social cohesion and emotional connection.
Various traditions worldwide celebrate a day dedicated to thankfulness, like Thanksgiving in the United States, emphasizing gratitude for the harvest.
Expressing gratitude can foster deeper relationships and is a common practice in rituals and ceremonies across cultures.

Psychology

Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude can lead to improved mental health, including decreased depression and anxiety.
Psychological research indicates that people who note what they are thankful for often report higher life satisfaction.
Gratitude has positive effects on physical health, promoting better sleep and stronger immune responses.

Literature

The concept of being thankful appears in many literary works, often highlighting themes of community and kindness.
Famous authors like Maya Angelou have emphasized gratitude as a crucial component of a fulfilling life in their writings.
Thankfulness is often used in poetry as a way to express appreciation for beauty, love, and life itself.

Social Impact

Thankfulness can inspire acts of kindness and encourage a positive cycle in communities, promoting a culture of generosity.
Charities and organizations often emphasize the importance of gratitude in their outreach efforts, connecting donors with the impact of their contributions.
Campaigns around gratitude, like 'pay it forward', encourage people to spread kindness further, creating powerful social change.

Origin of 'thankful'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'þancfull', where 'þanc' means 'thought' and 'full' means 'full of', thus it signifies being full of thoughts of gratitude.
The transition came through Middle English, evolving to the modern form we use today.
The roots can be traced back to Proto-Indo-European with the word meaning to 'think' or 'to consider'.

The word 'thankful' originated from the Middle English word 'thankfulle', which is a combination of 'thank' and the suffix '-ful' meaning full of. The word has been used in English since the 13th century and has evolved to represent the expression of gratitude or appreciation. Being thankful is a universal concept found in cultures around the world, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acknowledging acts of kindness and support from others.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,507 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9504 contrasting
9505 vertex
9506 emancipation
9507 thankful
9508 bearer
9509 hardening
9510 inert
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