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grateful

A2
Common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɡrˈeɪtfəl/

US

  • /ˈɡreɪtfəl/

Meanings

Adjective

  1. feeling or showing thanks and appreciation

Beyond the definition

To be grateful is to feel thankful for something good that has happened, or for someone who has done something kind for you. It's more than just saying "thank you"; it's a warm feeling in your heart. You might be grateful for a sunny day after a week of rain, or grateful for the support of a friend during a difficult time. A grateful person acknowledges the good things in their life and doesn't take them for granted. Think about a child being grateful for a birthday present – their eyes light up with joy!

Examples

  1. 1

    New start

    I’m grateful for the chance to start again in a new city.

  2. 2

    Thanking people

    She was grateful to her neighbors for checking on her father while she was away.

    • Patterngrateful to + person for + action

      thankful toward that person because of what they did

  3. 3

    Good outcome

    We were grateful that nobody was seriously hurt in the accident.

    • Patterngrateful that + clause

      thankful about a situation or result

  4. 4

    Job search

    After months of searching, he felt grateful just to have a steady job.

More examples
  1. 5

    Facial expression

    She gave him a grateful smile before getting into the car.

  2. 6

    Polite request

    I’d be grateful if you could let me know your decision by Friday.

    • UsageI’d be grateful if ...

      a polite way to ask for something

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • grateful for
  • grateful to someone
  • deeply grateful
  • grateful that

Word family

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Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • gratefuladjective