ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gratification

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˌɡɹætəfəˈkeɪʃən// UK //ɡɹˌætɪfɪkˈeɪʃən// grat·i·fi·ca·tion

n. the feeling of pleasure or satisfaction you get when you get what you want or when you achieve a goal.

n. the state of being pleased or satisfied by the fulfillment of a desire or expectation. Often used in psychological contexts regarding the timing of rewards.


SIMPLE

Eating the cake gave her instant gratification.

CONTEXTUAL

Many people struggle with the concept of delayed gratification, preferring small immediate rewards over larger future ones.

COMPLEX

The digital age has conditioned consumers to expect immediate gratification, fundamentally altering the traditional patience required for artisanal craftsmanship or long-form academic research.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin grātificātiō either directly or through Middle French gratification, from Latin grātificō (“to do a favor to, oblige, please, gratify”), from grātus (“kind, pleasing”) + faciō (“to make”).

Usage

Commonly paired with the adjectives 'instant' or 'delayed'.

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