Gratitude
/ˈɡrætɪˌtjud/
nounB1
Definition
Gratitude means feeling happy and thankful for kindness, help, or gifts from others. It is a positive emotion that shows you recognize and appreciate good things or actions. People often express gratitude by saying "thank you" or showing kindness back.
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See It in Action
The feeling of being thankful or appreciative
- •She showed gratitude by writing a thank-you note.
- •I feel deep gratitude for all the support from my friends.
- •Gratitude helps people feel happier and closer to others.
A polite expression of thanks
- •They expressed their gratitude with a small gift.
- •His speech was full of gratitude toward his teachers.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "gratitude" like "thanks," but deeper and more lasting—a warm feeling inside, not just words
- ✓Picture someone giving you a gift and your heart feeling full and happy because you appreciate it
- ✓It's the feeling you have when someone helps you in a difficult moment and you want to show you care back
- ✓Sounds like "GRAT-ih-tood" → imagine a grateful cat saying "thank you" with a soft purr
- ✓Remember stories where characters feel thankful after receiving help, like Cinderella being grateful for her fairy godmother
- ✓NOT like "like" (just enjoying something), gratitude is about feeling thankful for kindness or help
- ✓NOT like "hope" (wanting something), gratitude is about feeling happy for what you already have or received
- ✓NOT like "gift" (the thing given), gratitude is the feeling about the gift, not the gift itself
Try Other Words
- •Thankfulness: feeling happy and thankful (Use when focusing on the feeling inside)
- •Appreciation: recognizing value or kindness (Use when emphasizing understanding the good in something)
- •Thank you: phrase to say thanks (Use in spoken or written polite expressions)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "grat-" (from Latin "gratus" meaning pleasing or thankful) + suffix "-itude" (a state or condition)
- •Etymology: From Latin "gratitudo," meaning thankfulness or pleasing feeling
- •Historical development: Used in English since the late 1500s to describe the feeling of thankfulness
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe the feeling of being thankful and is often expressed in letters, speeches, and daily life
Reflect & Connect
•How do you show gratitude in your daily life? Can it be shown without words?
•Why do you think feeling gratitude can make people feel happier and closer to others?
Fill in the blanks
1.People feel gratitude when someone ___ them or gives them something helpful.
2.Showing gratitude often makes relationships ___ and stronger.
3.Gratitude is different from just saying "thanks" because it is a ___ feeling inside.
4.When you express gratitude, you usually ___ something back, like a kind word or action.
5.Gratitude can be shown ___ with words or ___ with actions.
6.Unlike hope, gratitude is about being thankful for what you ___, not what you want.
7.A letter of gratitude usually ___ appreciation for help or kindness received.