Gracious Meaning and Definition
Gracious
Pronunciation
/ˈgræʃəs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Characterized by polite, courteous, and considerate behavior; noble, generous, and magnanimous.
Examples
- She was a gracious winner, congratulating her opponent on the close match.
- His gracious smile put everyone at ease at the party.
Synonyms
- Polite
- Kind
- Hospitable
Antonyms
- Coarse
- Rude
- Harsh
Etymology
From Latin “gratia”, meaning “favor” or “pleasure”, and Old French “gracieux”, meaning “pleasant” or “agreeable”.
Usage Notes
Use “gracious” to describe someone’s behavior or attitude that is considerate, respectful, and pleasant to others. Avoid using it to describe something that is merely elegant or refined, as that would be confusing.
Cultural References
Gracious is a key theme in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, where the protagonist Atticus Finch is described as “a gracious man with a kind heart”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Gracious living” – a phrase used to describe a life of comfort and luxury
Related Words or Phrases
- Polite
- Kind
- Hospitable
Collocations
- Gracious host
- Gracious gesture
- Gracious smile
Frequency of Use
According to Google’s Ngram viewer, the usage of the word “gracious” has remained relatively stable over the past century.
Common Misspellings
- Graciour
- Graccious