Thanksgiving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thanksgiving

[ˌθæŋksˈɡɪvɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

holiday

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.

Synonyms

celebration, harvest festival, holiday.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thanksgiving	Thanksgiving specifically refers to the national holiday in the United States and Canada where people give thanks for what they have. It is often associated with a large meal, typically featuring turkey. We're going to my grandmother's house for Thanksgiving this year. Every Thanksgiving, we reflect on what we're grateful for.
holiday	Holiday is a very general term for any special day when people do not have to work or go to school. It can include religious, national, or cultural events and is not limited to Thanksgiving. We always go to the beach during the summer holiday. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
celebration	Celebration is a more general term that can refer to any event held in honor of something. It doesn't have to do with giving thanks or the harvest; it could be a birthday, an anniversary, or any special occasion. We had a big celebration for her 50th birthday. Their wedding was a beautiful celebration.
harvest festival	Harvest festival is a broader term that can refer to any event celebrating the gathering of crops. This term is often used in many cultures and can include food, music, and dancing. The village holds a harvest festival every autumn to celebrate the end of the growing season. There were stalls with fresh produce at the harvest festival.

Examples of usage

We gather with family and friends for a Thanksgiving feast.
Many people volunteer at shelters on Thanksgiving to help those in need.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

gratitude

Thanksgiving is also the expression of gratitude, especially to God.

Synonyms

appreciation, gratitude, thanks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thanksgiving	Another usage but less common, can mean an act of giving thanks, particularly in a formal or religious context. The church service included prayers of thanksgiving. It was a moment of thanksgiving for the blessings they had received.
gratitude	Appropriate for expressing a deep sense of thankful recognition or heartfelt thankfulness, often used in more personal, reflective, or profound contexts. I want to express my deep gratitude for your support during this difficult time. She felt overwhelming gratitude towards the people who helped her.
appreciation	Best used to show recognition or acknowledgment of someone's effort, significance, or value, often in formal or professional settings. We would like to show our appreciation for your hard work this year. Her appreciation for art is evident in her extensive collection.
thanks	Informal and widely used in everyday situations to express thanks or gratitude quickly and easily. Thanks for helping me with my homework. I'd like to say thanks to everyone who contributed.

Examples of usage

She expressed her thanksgiving for the opportunity to study abroad.
His thanksgiving prayer included blessings for his family and friends.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a feast shared by Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the U.S. in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as a day of thanks.
Different countries celebrate their own versions of Thanksgiving, such as Canada's Thanksgiving which occurs in October.

Cultural Traditions

In the United States, people often eat turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, which has become a traditional meal.
Many families watch parades and football games on Thanksgiving Day, making it a day of leisure and entertainment.
Volunteering and helping the less fortunate during Thanksgiving is a common tradition, emphasizing gratitude through giving.

Literature and Art

Thanksgiving has inspired numerous books, poems, and songs celebrating family unity and gratitude.
Paintings and illustrations often depict the harvest scene or family gatherings, capturing the essence of sharing and thankfulness.
Classics like 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' have made the holiday relatable for children.

Psychology

Studies show that expressing gratitude can improve happiness and mental health, making celebrations like Thanksgiving beneficial for emotional well-being.
Being thankful is linked to stronger relationships, as it encourages appreciation and connection among family and friends.
Some psychologists advocate for maintaining a gratitude journal, a practice encouraged during the Thanksgiving season.

Food Science

Turkey, the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving dinners, contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can contribute to feelings of relaxation.
The tradition of pumpkin pie dates back to the early colonial times when pumpkins were used as a staple food.
Many Thanksgiving dishes are rich in carbohydrates, which can lead to that sleepy feeling post-meal, commonly known as 'food coma.'

Origin of 'thanksgiving'

The history of Thanksgiving dates back to the early 17th century when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The holiday has evolved over time to become a day of giving thanks, feasting, and spending time with loved ones.