Word
gratuity
Phoneticsgra·tu·ity
US/ɡɹəˈtuɪti/
UK/ɡɹætjˈuːɪti/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. extra money you give someone for good service, like to a waiter in a restaurant. It is the formal word for a tip.
n. an additional sum paid voluntarily to service staff in recognition of good service; a formal equivalent of 'tip'. Also extends to any gift or favour bestowed without obligation.
Examples
“We leave a small gratuity for good service.”
“The restaurant bill includes an 18% gratuity for tables of six or more.”
“The cruise line adds a daily gratuity to each cabin account to cover housekeeping and dining staff.”
Examples
simple
“We leave a small gratuity for good service.”
contextual
“The restaurant bill includes an 18% gratuity for tables of six or more.”
complex
“The cruise line adds a daily gratuity to each cabin account to cover housekeeping and dining staff.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “gratuity” in context.
Verb
01. add gratuity
“The hotel added a 10% gratuity to our room service bill.”
verb + noun
02. depend on gratuity
“Many servers depend on gratuity to supplement their low basic wages.”
verb + prep + noun
03. gratuity applies
“Please note that a 20% gratuity applies to all large group bookings.”
noun + verb
Adjective
04. additional gratuity
“Feel free to add an additional gratuity if the service was outstanding.”
adj + noun
05. automatic gratuity
“The restaurant adds an automatic gratuity for parties of six or more.”
adj + noun
06. discretionary gratuity
“A discretionary gratuity will be added to your bill unless you request removal.”
adj + noun
07. generous gratuity
“They left a generous gratuity to thank the waiter for excellent service.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. acceptance of gratuity
“Company policy strictly forbids the acceptance of gratuity from vendors.”
noun + prep + noun
09. ban on gratuity
“The hospital enforces a strict ban on gratuity to avoid conflicts of interest.”
noun + prep + noun
10. add a discretionary gratuity
“The bill allows you to add a discretionary gratuity for outstanding service.”
11. gratuity is at your discretion
“Service is included, but any extra gratuity is at your discretion.”
12. include an automatic gratuity
“Most downtown restaurants include an automatic gratuity for large tables.”
Etymology
From Middle French gratuité (from Old French gratuite) or directly from Medieval Latin gratuitas (“a free gift”), from Latin gratuitus (“freely given, free”); see gratuitous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- 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
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