Gracious
'ɡreɪʃəs
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving or showing kindness, courtesy, and a pleasing manner.
'ɡreɪʃəs
Showing kindness and courtesy
The gracious winner thanked their competitors.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who's super friendly and polite, like they always hold the door open for you and say 'thank you' with a smile. That's gracious!
👶 For kids: Being very polite, kind, and friendly to other people.
More Examples
The staff was gracious and helpful.
She was always gracious to her guests.
The actress gave a gracious acceptance speech.
How It's Used
"She was a gracious host, always making her guests feel welcome."
"The queen made a gracious statement accepting the award."
Elegant, refined, and charming in appearance or manner.
'ɡreɪʃəs
Showing elegance and good taste
The gracious design of the ballroom impressed the guests.
💡 Simply: Think of something that looks really pretty and refined, like a fancy dress or a beautiful piece of art. It shows style and good taste!
👶 For kids: Something that looks beautiful and stylish.
More Examples
The lines of the sculpture were graceful and gracious.
The room had gracious decor that felt welcoming.
The home had a gracious feel.
How It's Used
"The architecture of the building was gracious, with flowing lines and elegant proportions."
"She had a gracious style that was admired by everyone."
Idioms & expressions
Gracious me!
An exclamation of surprise or mild astonishment.
"Gracious me, I didn't realize it was so late!"
From Old French gracios, from Latin gratiōsus 'agreeable, pleasing,' related to gratia 'grace, favor.'
Historically, 'gracious' was used in formal letters and speeches to express a sense of goodwill or favor.
Memory tip
Think of a person who acts with GRACE, making them GRACIOUS.
Word Origin
"grace, favor, thanks"