grateful

grateful

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "grateful" is /ˈɡreɪt.fəl/.

• grate: /ˈɡreɪt/

• ful: /fəl/

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Word Form Variations

• Adjective: grateful

• Noun: gratefulness (singular, uncountable)

• Adverb: gratefully

• Verb: (No direct verb form; 'gratify' is related but distinct)

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adjective

Grateful

1. Feeling or showing appreciation for something received or for an act of kindness; thankful. 

• Synonyms: thankful, appreciative, obliged, indebted, beholden

• Antonyms: ungrateful, unappreciative, thankless, resentful

Noun

Gratefulness

1. The quality or state of being grateful; a feeling of thankfulness.

• Synonyms: thankfulness, appreciation, gratitude, acknowledgment

• Antonyms: ingratitude, ungratefulness, resentment

Adverb

Gratefully

1. In a way that shows gratitude or thankfulness.

• Synonyms: thankfully, appreciatively, obligingly, with gratitude

• Antonyms: ungratefully, unappreciatively, resentfully

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Examples of Use

Books

• Self-help/Spirituality: Many books encourage practicing "gratefulness" as a path to well-being. Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach includes daily reflections on being "grateful" (Warner Books, November 1995).

• Fiction: Characters often express being "grateful" for help, kindness, or good fortune. "She was grateful for his unwavering support during the difficult times."

• Memoirs/Biographies: Authors often reflect on people or experiences for which they are "grateful."

Newspapers

• News Articles: Journalists report on individuals expressing "gratefulness" for assistance during crises or for acts of generosity. "The community is grateful for the swift response of emergency services" (The Daily Herald, July 2025).

• Opinion Pieces/Editorials: Columnists might urge readers to cultivate a sense of "gratefulness" in challenging times.

• Letters to the Editor: Often contain expressions of "gratefulness" from citizens to public servants or organizations.

Online Publications

• Blogs (Wellness/Personal Development): Many blogs feature articles on practicing "gratefulness" or starting a "gratefulness journal." "5 ways to cultivate a more grateful mindset."

• Social Media: Users frequently post about things they are "grateful" for, especially around holidays like Thanksgiving. "So grateful for my amazing friends and family! "

• Crowdfunding Platforms: Beneficiaries of campaigns often express immense "gratefulness" to donors.

• News Sites: Online news might feature stories of individuals who are "grateful" for new opportunities or second chances.

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms

• Movies/TV Shows (Drama/Romance): Characters express "gratefulness" for sacrifices made, love received, or second chances. A character might say, "I'm so grateful for everything you've done."

• Music: Song lyrics often convey emotions of "gratefulness" for love, life, or overcoming hardship. "I'm grateful for every breath I take."

• Acceptance Speeches: At awards ceremonies, recipients frequently express how "grateful" they are for the honor and recognition.

• Podcasts: Interviews with inspiring individuals often involve them reflecting on what they are "grateful" for in their lives or careers.

• Talk Shows: Guests often express "gratefulness" to their fans or mentors.

General Public Discourse

• Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "I'm so grateful for your help," or "I'm grateful to have healthy children." "We're grateful for your business."

• Workplace: Colleagues express "gratefulness" for assistance on projects or for positive feedback. "I'm truly grateful for your patience."

• Public Speaking: Speakers often begin or end by expressing their "gratefulness" to the audience or organizers.

• Personal Reflections: Individuals often reflect on what makes them "grateful" in their lives.

• Thank You Notes/Cards: These are specifically written to express "gratefulness."

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10 Quotes Using Grateful

1. "I am grateful for my life, and that's a good place to start." (Maya Angelou)

2. "Be grateful for what you have, and you will have more." (Oprah Winfrey)

3. "I am grateful for all my struggles because without them, I would not have stumbled upon my strength." (Alex Elle)

4. "When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears." (Tony Robbins)

5. "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." (Marcel Proust)

6. "Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone. Be grateful aloud." (G.B. Stern)

7. "Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

8. "The more you are grateful for what you have, the more you will have to be grateful for."

9. "Be grateful for adversity, for it often reveals your deepest resilience."

10. "I am grateful for every new day and the boundless opportunities it invariably brings."

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Etymology

The word "grateful" comes from the Latin word "gratus," which meant "pleasing," "thankful," or "agreeable." This is the same root that gives us words like "gratitude" and "gratify."

The first known use of "grateful" in English, with the meaning of "feeling or expressing thanks; thankful," dates back to the early 16th century. It appeared in texts directly referring to a sense of appreciation for a favor or benefit received.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Grateful

• Be grateful for small mercies: To be thankful for minor good things, especially in a bad situation. "After the storm, we were grateful for small mercies like having power restored."

• Grateful to have: Expressing appreciation for possessing something. "I'm so grateful to have such supportive friends."

• Grateful for your help: A common expression of thanks. "I'm truly grateful for your help with this project."

• Grateful heart: A disposition or feeling of thankfulness. "Living with a grateful heart can improve well-being."

• Grateful dead: A band name; literally, thankful for not being dead. (Specific proper noun example, but known idiomatically as "thankful dead" in a historical context). "The fans of the Grateful Dead are fiercely loyal."

• Feel grateful: To experience the emotion of thankfulness. "She taught herself to feel grateful even for challenges."

• Deeply grateful: Expressing profound appreciation. "The community was deeply grateful for the donations."

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of grateful from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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