Grace
/ɡreɪs/
nounverbB2
Definition
Grace means moving or acting in a smooth, calm, and attractive way that shows control and beauty. It can also mean a polite and kind way of behaving toward others. As a verb, grace means to add beauty or honor by being present somewhere or doing something.
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See It in Action
Smooth and elegant movement or behavior
- •The ballerina danced with great grace.
- •He accepted the award with grace and humility.
- •The cat moved with the grace of a hunter.
Polite kindness or favor shown to someone
- •She showed grace by forgiving her friend.
- •They asked for grace during difficult times.
- •The teacher granted the student extra time as a grace.
To honor or please by being present (verb)
- •The famous singer graced the event with her presence.
- •His speech graced the ceremony and inspired everyone.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "grace" like "nice" or "calm," but with a special smoothness and beauty that makes it feel elegant
- ✓Picture a dancer moving slowly and smoothly, like flowing water, without any sudden or rough movements
- ✓It's the feeling you get when someone is very kind and polite, making others feel comfortable and respected
- ✓Sounds like "race" but with a soft "g" at the start → imagine a gentle race where everyone moves carefully and beautifully
- ✓Remember a queen or a prince walking with calm and elegance in a story or movie
- ✓NOT like "rough" or "clumsy" movements; grace is smooth and controlled
- ✓NOT just "kindness" but kindness with style and calmness
- ✓NOT like "rush" or "hurry" — grace is slow and careful, not fast and careless
Try Other Words
- •Poise: calm and confident behavior (Use when focusing on balance and self-control)
- •Charm: attractive and pleasant quality (Use when focusing more on friendliness and appeal)
- •Courtesy: polite behavior (Use when focusing on manners and respect)
- •Beauty: pleasing appearance (Use when focusing on physical looks)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix; "grace" is a root word)
- •Etymology: From Latin "gratia," meaning favor, kindness, or thanks
- •Historical development: Originally meant favor or kindness; later also came to mean beauty and elegance in movement or behavior
- •Modern usage: Used to describe smooth movement, polite behavior, or the act of honoring by presence
Reflect & Connect
•How do you show grace in difficult or stressful situations?
•Can grace be learned, or is it something people are born with?
Fill in the blanks
1.She moved with grace ___ every step showing control and beauty.
2.Showing grace during a disagreement means you ___ kindness and calmness.
3.The singer graced the concert ___ her famous presence and charm.
4.Unlike rough behavior, grace is about being smooth ___ controlled.
5.When someone forgives with grace, they ___ understanding and kindness.
6.Grace often comes with ___ and polite actions toward others.
7.The dancer’s grace made the performance seem ___ and natural.