English Reference

Word

gratis

US/ˈɡɹætəs/

UK/ɡɹˈætis/

Definition

adj. free of charge. You use this word when you get something without paying any money for it.

adj. provided or available at no cost. Often used in formal or commercial contexts to describe services or items offered without charge.

Examples

“The local library provides gratis access to its digital archives for any resident who signs up for a card.”

“While the initial consultation is gratis, the firm charges a significant hourly rate for any subsequent legal work required to finalize the contract.”

Examples

contextual

“The local library provides gratis access to its digital archives for any resident who signs up for a card.”

complex

“While the initial consultation is gratis, the firm charges a significant hourly rate for any subsequent legal work required to finalize the contract.”

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin gratis.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Occasional
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

QR code

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English Reference