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gratuitous

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The definition of gratuitous is something that is given for free, unnecessary or not called for.

(adjective)

An example of gratuitous is when an accountant gives you free tax advice.
An example of gratuitous is a movie that has nudity in it for no reason.

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See gratuitous in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

1. given or received without charge or payment; free
2. granted without obligation
without cause or justification; uncalled-for

Origin: L gratuitus < gratus: see grace

Related Forms:

gratuitously adverb

See gratuitous in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Given or granted without return or recompense; unearned.
Given or received without cost or obligation; free.
Unnecessary or unwarranted; unjustified: gratuitous criticism.

Origin:

Origin: From Latin grātuītus; see g^werə-² in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

gra·tuˈi·tous·ly adverb

gra·tuˈi·tous·ness noun

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