First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
gracious
adjective gra·cious \ˈgrā-shəs\
: very polite in a way that shows respect
: having or showing the attractive things (such as charm, good taste, and comfort) that are associated with having a lot of money
—used as an interjection to express mild surprise or for emphasis
Full Definition of GRACIOUS
1
a obsolete : godly b archaic : pleasing, acceptable
2
3
: merciful, compassionate —used conventionally of royalty and high nobility
— gra·cious·ly adverb
— gra·cious·ness noun
See gracious defined for English-language learners
See gracious defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of GRACIOUS
- Phoebe closed her eyes, seeing her father moving like a shadow among his guests, gracious, smiling, pouring wine and exchanging greetings. —Judith Berry Griffin, Phoebe the Spy, 1977
- The reception started in orderly enough fashion—gracious and leisurely. Paula Locker, the President of the Club, met me at the door, and I took my place in line with her, with Fishbait Miller doing the introducing. —Lady Bird Johnson, A White House Diary, 1970
- If there are not too many in the group, you might inquire solicitously about their health. If you are in a particularly gracious mood, you might even give them a brief resume of your physical condition. —Groucho Marx, letter of 15 Nov. 1951 in The Groucho Letters1987
- This is not a surprise given the welcome, gracious atmosphere, the uncommon competence of the kitchen, with its familiar Little Italy Italian menu … and the restaurant's credible wine list. —Mark Bittman, New York Times, 26 June 2002
- [+]more
Origin of GRACIOUS
Middle English, from Anglo-French gracieus, from Latin gratiosus enjoying favor, agreeable, from gratia
Related to GRACIOUS
- Synonyms
- affable, cordial, genial, hospitable, sociable
- Antonyms
- inhospitable, ungenial, ungracious, unsociable
Synonym Discussion of GRACIOUS
gracious, cordial, affable, genial, sociable mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse. gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration <the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues>. cordial stresses warmth and heartiness <our host was cordial as he greeted us>. affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals <though wealthy, she was affable to all>. genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality <a genial companion with a ready quip>. sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others <sociable people who enjoy entertaining>.
Rhymes with GRACIOUS
GRACIOUSNESS Defined for Kids
gracious
adjective gra·cious \ˈgrā-shəs\
Definition of GRACIOUS for Kids
1
: being kind and courteous <a gracious hostess>
Learn More About GRACIOUS
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up gracious? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).