English Reference
Adjective

gratifying

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɡɹætəˌfaɪɪŋ/ UK /ɡɹˈætɪfˌaɪɪŋ/ grat·i·fy·ing

adj.giving you a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction because you achieved something or did something right.

adj.providing satisfaction or pleasure, especially as a result of one's efforts or the fulfilment of a desire. Often used to describe experiences, results, or feedback.


SIMPLE

It is gratifying to see my students succeed.

CONTEXTUAL

The volunteer found it deeply gratifying to see the community garden flourish after months of hard work.

COMPLEX

While the financial rewards were modest, the architect found it immensely gratifying to witness the local residents reclaiming the public space she had designed.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'feel', or 'find'; frequently takes an infinitive clause as a subject or complement.

The Witcher 3 is a modern classic that has already come to a gratifying end: bringing Geralt out of retirement is a risky move.

The Guardian· 28 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated