# gratefully

/ˈɡɹeɪtfəɫi/ (US) · /ɡɹˈeɪtfəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gratefully
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

in a way that shows you are happy and thankful for something. You use this when you want to express that you are pleased to receive help or a gift.

For teachers: in a manner that expresses pleasure, appreciation, or gratitude. Often used to modify verbs of acceptance or consumption.

## Examples

- She accepted the gift gratefully.
- The hikers gratefully accepted the warm drinks offered by the local villagers after their long journey.
- The charity gratefully acknowledged the generous donations that allowed them to expand their outreach programs into three new rural communities this year.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.