gratitude
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡrˈætɪtjˌuːd/
US
- /ˈɡrætəˌtud/
Description
- Thankfulness
- Appreciation
- Warm thanks
Gratitude is more than just saying "thank you." It is a real feeling of thankfulness for the good things in your life, whether they are big or small. It can come after a kind act, a gift, a moment of help, or even a quiet moment when you notice something beautiful or comforting.
People show gratitude in different ways: with words, with actions, or by taking a moment to reflect. You might write in a journal, thank someone directly, or simply pause and appreciate what you have. It is more than politeness. It is the feeling that comes when you truly recognize and value something good.
Gratitude is the feeling of being thankful and appreciative for something good in your life. It may arise when someone helps you, when you receive kindness, or when you stop and notice something valuable that you might otherwise take for granted. It is more than a polite response. It is an inner recognition that something meaningful has been given, shared, or experienced.
This feeling can be directed toward people, life events, nature, faith, or everyday comforts. You may feel it for a friend's support, a stranger's generosity, a safe home, good health, or a peaceful morning. In that sense, gratitude is both emotional and reflective: you do not just receive something good, you also recognize its worth.
People express gratitude in many ways. They may say "thank you," write a note, return kindness with kindness, pray, reflect quietly, or keep a journal of things they appreciate. In stories and daily life alike, gratitude often appears after help, care, rescue, or unexpected generosity. It strengthens relationships because it shows that one person truly sees what another has done.
The idea also has a wider meaning. Gratitude can shape a person's outlook by drawing attention to what is present rather than only to what is missing. For many people, this habit brings more calm, humility, and connection. Ultimately, gratitude is not only a feeling that passes through you. It is also a way of seeing life with appreciation and responding with sincerity.
Examples
- 1
Family help
I felt gratitude when my sister picked me up from the airport at midnight.
- 2
Medical thanks
At the end of the letter, she expressed her gratitude to the doctors for their care.
Pattern
gratitude to + person for + help/action
thankfulness directed to that person because of it
- 3
Receiving help
He accepted their help with gratitude.
- 4
Scholarship thanks
Out of gratitude for the scholarship, she came back to speak to the new students.
Pattern
out of gratitude for + reason
because you feel thankful for it
- 5
Personal support
Over time, his frustration changed into gratitude toward the people who had supported him.
Pattern
gratitude toward + person
thankful feeling directed at that person
- 6
Everyday awareness
The experience gave her a new sense of gratitude for ordinary moments.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- gratitudenoun