gracious

Gracious means being kind, thoughtful and aware of others.

(adjective)

An example of gracious is a host who takes good care of houseguests.

The definition of gracious is someone who is polite with people of lower social status.

(adjective)

An example of gracious is the type of adult who listens patiently to a young child.

Gracious is defined as what someone says in surprise.

(interjection)

An example of gracious is what a grandmother would say when a beautiful cake was brought out for her birthday.

See gracious in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

having or showing kindness, courtesy, charm, etc.
merciful; compassionate
indulgent or polite to those held to be inferiors
characterized by the taste, luxury, and social ease associated with prosperity, education, etc.: gracious living
Archaic having pleasing qualities; attractive

Origin: ME < OFr < L gratiosus, in favor, popular, kind < gratia: see grace

interjection

used to express surprise or dismay

Related Forms:

See gracious in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Characterized by kindness and warm courtesy.
Characterized by tact and propriety: responded to the insult with gracious humor.
Of a merciful or compassionate nature.
Condescendingly courteous; indulgent.
Characterized by charm or beauty; graceful.
Characterized by elegance and good taste: gracious living.
Archaic Enjoying favor or grace; acceptable or pleasing.

interjection

Used to express surprise or mild emotion.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French gracieus

Origin: , from Latin grātiōsus

Origin: , from grātia, good will; see Grace

Related Forms: