noun

gratitude

/ˈɡrætɪˌtjuːd/ · say it: GRAT·uh·tood

the quality of being thankful

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (noun) the feeling of being thankful and appreciative for something someone has done or something you have

2. (noun) thanks or appreciation expressed to someone

Examples

1. She felt deep gratitude toward her parents for supporting her education.
2. He expressed his gratitude by writing a thank-you letter.

How to use gratitude

Gratitude is a formal or sincere way to describe the feeling or expression of thanks. It is more elevated and heartfelt than the simple word 'thanks' and is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, particularly when expressing appreciation for meaningful help or kindness. The tone is typically genuine and sometimes quite emotional.

Common phrases

express gratitude
show gratitude
deep gratitude
heartfelt gratitude
in gratitude for

Synonyms

thankfulness · appreciation · gratefulness · thanks

Opposites

ingratitude · ungratefulness

Word family

grateful · ungrateful · gratefully · gratify

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'gratitude' with the preposition 'to' (expressing gratitude to someone) when the more natural construction is 'expressing gratitude for' something or 'showing gratitude toward' someone.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD