Grace Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɡreɪs/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A noun that refers to a state of being favored by God, an attractive quality, or a courteous and kind act.

Examples

1. “She received an outpouring of grace from her community during her time of need.”

2. “The poet’s words were a grace to the audience, bringing them together in a moment of shared beauty.”

Synonyms

1. Favor

2. Beauty

3. Courtesy

Antonyms

1. Disfavor

2. Boorishness

Etymology

The word “Grace” originated from the Latin word “gratia,” meaning favor or kindness. It has been used in English since the 12th century to describe a state of favor or acceptance.

Usage Notes

Grace can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to an attractive quality, a charming or delightful feature, or a courteous and kind act. As a verb, it means to move or flow smoothly, or to have a smooth or serene expression.

Cultural References

Grace has been referenced in various cultural works, including literature, music, and art. For example, in the Bible, grace is a central theme, referring to God’s favor towards humanity. In music, “Break Thou the Sweet Bread of Christian Hope” by George Frideric Handel features the text “Thy Grace is Sufficient for Me.” In art, the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile is often referred to as a masterpiece of subtle, effortless GRACE.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” can be seen as a variation of the concept of GRACE, suggesting that beauty is subjective and culturally relative.

2. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” from the Second Commandment refers to the concept of GRACE, highlighting the importance of treating the divine in a respectful and reverent manner.

Related Words or Phrases

1. Beauty – a related concept that refers to the qualities that make something pleasing to the senses

2. Favor – a word that is often associated with GRACE, referring to a favorable treatment or status

Collocations

1. “Filled with grace” refers to a person or experience that exudes an undeniable sense of beauty or charm.

2. “Beyond the confines of human GRACE” implies that something exceeds the bounds of human understanding or expectation.

Frequency of Use

The word GRACE appears in approximately 0.6% of English language usage, making it a moderately common term.

Common Misspellings

1. Graice

2. Grase