WordGarden.iograce
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡrˈeɪs/
US
- /ˈɡreɪs/
Meanings
Noun
elegant beauty or smoothness in movement, form, or style
kind, courteous, or forgiving goodwill toward others
divine favor or spiritual blessing
More meaningsFewer meanings
a short prayer of thanks before a meal
extra time or leniency allowed before a deadline or penalty
Verb
to make something more attractive or honored by being present or added
Beyond the definition
Grace isn't just about ballerinas moving beautifully, though it certainly applies there. It is a quality of easy elegance and charm in movement, appearance, or behavior. Think of a swan gliding across water or someone dealing with a difficult situation with calm poise. But grace also means kindness or favor that is given freely. A queen might show grace to a defeated enemy, offering mercy instead of punishment. The word can describe both the beauty in the way someone moves and the kindness someone receives or gives.
The word "grace" holds layers of meaning, weaving together ideas of elegance, favor, and a quiet strength. At its heart, grace describes a pleasing quality of movement or form—think of the graceful arc of a dancer's leap or the graceful lines of an antique chair. It suggests fluidity, balance, and beauty in action.
However, grace extends beyond physical appearance. It also refers to a state of being favored or blessed with kindness, often undeserved. We speak of "falling from grace," meaning losing favor or status, or receiving a "saving grace"—a redeeming quality or divine help offered freely. A person might show grace under pressure, handling adversity with dignity and composure.
Historically, the word is deeply rooted in religious contexts, representing God's unearned love and forgiveness. This sense of spiritual grace still resonates today, often seen in the practice of "saying grace"—a short prayer of thanks offered before a meal. You can also use the word to describe a period of time allowed for something, such as a "three-day grace period" to pay a bill.
So, whether you are admiring a beautiful performance, acknowledging an act of kindness, or navigating life's challenges with composure, "grace" embodies elegance, favor, and a quiet strength that elevates everything it touches.
Examples
- 1
Dance
The dancer moved across the stage with grace.
- 2
Personal manner
She has a natural grace that makes people feel at ease.
- 3
Teasing
He accepted the teasing with good grace.
- Phrasewith good grace
without getting upset or complaining
- 4
Polite behavior
He's friendly, but he doesn't always remember the social graces.
- Phrasethe social graces
polite ways of behaving with other people
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Payment deadline
There's a seven-day grace period before the payment is treated as late.
- Phrasegrace period
extra time allowed before a rule is enforced
- 6
Prayer
My grandparents always say grace before dinner.
- Phrasesay grace
say a short prayer before eating
- 7
Pressure
The team captain showed real grace under pressure after the loss.
- Phrasegrace under pressure
calm, controlled behavior in a difficult situation
- 8
Public reputation
After the scandal, the politician quickly fell from grace.
- Phrasefall from grace
lose people's respect or approval
- 9
Formal ceremony
The ceremony was graced by a visit from the queen.
- Usagebe graced by
be made more special by; formal
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- move with grace
- natural grace
- grace under pressure
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- gracenounverb
Forms
- gracespluralnounverb
- gracedpast tenseverbnoun
- gracing-ing formverbnoun