Word
gratifying
Phoneticsgrat·i·fy·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹætəˌfaɪɪŋ/
UK/ɡɹˈætɪfˌaɪɪŋ/
Definition
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.
Examples
“It is gratifying to see my students succeed.”
“The volunteer found it deeply gratifying to see the community garden flourish after months of hard work.”
“While the financial rewards were modest, the architect found it immensely gratifying to witness the local residents reclaiming the public space she had designed.”
Examples
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.
Real-World Examples
“It is the little moments like this, not the grand story beats, that prove the most memorable and gratifying.” “The Witcher 3 is a modern classic that has already come to a gratifying end: bringing Geralt out of retirement is a risky move.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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