Grace
/ɡreɪs/
Definitions
4 meaningsElegance or refinement of movement, form, or manner; or courteous goodwill.
/ɡreɪs/
Elegant or courteous behavior, or a pleasing appearance.
The ballerina danced with effortless grace.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone walking, dancing, or even just talking in a really beautiful and smooth way. That's grace! It’s like they’re naturally elegant and polite.
👶 For kids: Being graceful means doing things in a pretty and polite way, like a princess walking or a cat jumping.
More Examples
Her innate grace made her a favorite among her peers.
He spoke with a grace that charmed the audience.
How It's Used
"She moved with such grace that everyone admired her."
"The dancer's movements were filled with grace and artistry."
Favor, mercy, or goodwill, especially from a superior or a divine source.
/ɡreɪs/
A manifestation of favor or goodwill.
The company extended a grace period for late payments.
💡 Simply: When someone gives you something nice without you having to do anything to earn it – like getting a second chance or being forgiven – that's grace.
👶 For kids: When someone is nice to you even when you didn't deserve it. Like when you broke a toy and your mom still gives you a hug.
More Examples
He was saved by the grace of God.
She approached the situation with grace and understanding.
How It's Used
"The sermon emphasized God's grace towards humanity."
"He was given a grace period to pay his bill."
To add beauty, honor, or dignity to; to adorn or embellish.
/ɡreɪs/
To honor or dignify something.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of several dignitaries.
💡 Simply: To make something better or more special, like when a special guest 'graces' an event and makes it more important.
👶 For kids: To make something more special and fancy, like when a famous person is at a party.
More Examples
Her presence graced the event and lifted the mood.
The performance was graced by beautiful music.
How It's Used
"The occasion was graced by the presence of the queen."
"The event was graced with musical performances."
A short prayer said before a meal to give thanks.
/ɡreɪs/
A short prayer of thanks said before a meal.
They said grace before their Thanksgiving dinner.
💡 Simply: When you say a short prayer to thank God before you eat a meal. It's like saying, 'Thank you for the food!'
👶 For kids: Saying 'thank you' to God for your food before you eat.
More Examples
The family always recites grace before their meals.
She mumbled a quick grace before taking her first bite.
How It's Used
"Before dinner, they said grace."
"The family always says grace before meals."
Synonyms
Charm
Courtesy
Elegance
Favor
Forgiveness
Adorn
Enhance
Idioms & expressions
by the grace of God
Due to divine help or good fortune.
"We survived the crash by the grace of God."
fall from grace
To lose status, respect, or favor; to be discredited.
"After the scandal, the CEO fell from grace and was forced to resign."
a saving grace
A redeeming quality or factor that offsets a fault or shortcoming.
"The film's only saving grace was its stunning cinematography."
From Latin *grātia* ('favor, charm, thanks'), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *gʷreh₂- ('to be pleasing, to greet').
The word 'grace' has been used since Middle English times and has evolved to represent both elegant behavior and divine favor.
Memory tip
Think of a ballerina; their movements have grace.