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gracious

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɡɹeɪʃəs// UK //ɡɹˈeɪʃəs// gra·cious

adj. behaving in a kind, polite, and generous way, especially toward someone who is less powerful or successful than you.

adj. characterised by kindness, courtesy, and charm, particularly in social interactions or when responding to a loss or challenge.


SIMPLE

She was very gracious when she accepted the second-place prize.

CONTEXTUAL

The host was gracious enough to ignore the guest's accidental spill and continued the conversation smoothly.

COMPLEX

Even after the heated debate, the senator remained gracious toward her opponent, demonstrating a level of professional decorum that is increasingly rare in modern politics.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English gracious, from Old French gracieus, from Latin gratiosus, from gratia (“esteem, favor”). See grace. Displaced native Old English hold (“gracious”). Doublet of gracioso and grazioso.

Usage

Often used to describe winners, hosts, or people in high social positions; frequently pairs with 'enough' followed by an infinitive.

Idioms4 entries

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