thankfulness
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /θˈæŋkfəlnəs/
US
- /ˈθæŋkfəlnɛs/
Description
- gratitude
- appreciation
- sense of being grateful
Thankfulness is more than just saying "thank you." It is a warm feeling of gratitude for the good things in your life, whether they are big or small. You might feel it after receiving a gift, getting help when you need it, or seeing something beautiful. A farmer may feel it after a good harvest, and a traveler may feel it while watching a lovely sunset. Even during hard times, finding something to be grateful for can bring comfort and strength.
Thankfulness is more than just polite acknowledgment; it is a deep feeling of appreciation for what one has received, whether that means gifts, experiences, kindness, or simply the good things in life. It is a feeling that can connect us to other people and help us notice what is good around us. Think of a child excitedly opening a birthday present: that first burst of joy gives a small picture of thankfulness.
However, thankfulness is not limited to receiving something directly. You can feel thankfulness for opportunities, for the support of loved ones, for good health, or even for lessons learned during hard times. A sailor returning home after a long voyage might feel thankfulness for a safe return, while someone recovering from an illness might feel it for the chance to get better.
The practice of thankfulness is often linked to greater happiness and well-being. Many people keep gratitude journals and write down things they are grateful for each day so they can focus more on the positive parts of life. You can express thankfulness through words or actions, such as writing a thank-you note, helping someone, or offering a kind gesture. At its core, thankfulness is an inner feeling that shapes the way we see our lives. It means noticing the good, even when life is difficult, and appreciating it fully.
Examples
- 1
Family relief
She felt a wave of thankfulness when her son walked through the door.
- 2
Thank-you message
He wrote a short message of thankfulness to everyone who had helped him.
- 3
Past opportunity
Even after years abroad, she still spoke with thankfulness for the education she received there.
- 4
Community survival
The ceremony was a quiet moment of thankfulness that the community had made it through a difficult winter.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- thankfulnessnoun