Word
thankful
Phoneticsthank·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈθæŋkfəɫ/
UK/θˈæŋkfəl/
Definitions
01feeling or showing gratitude
A2 · Elementary
adj. feeling or showing that you are happy and grateful for something.
adj. expressing or feeling gratitude; appreciative of a benefit received.
“I am very thankful for all the support you gave me during the move.”
“The family was deeply thankful for the community's generosity following the fire, which allowed them to find temporary housing immediately.”
Pitfall
I am thankful of your help.
I am thankful for your help.
Use the preposition 'for' to describe the reason you are thankful, or 'to' for the person you are thanking.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02feeling relief
B1 · Intermediate
adj. feeling pleased or relieved that something bad did not happen.
adj. expressing relief that a particular misfortune was avoided or a difficult period has ended.
“We were thankful to arrive home safely before the heavy snow started.”
“After the engine trouble mid-flight, the passengers were visibly thankful to be back on solid ground.”
Usage
Often followed by a 'to' infinitive or a 'that' clause.
Etymology
From Middle English thankful, from Old English þancful, þancfull (“thoughtful, pleasing, agreeable, pleasant, thankful, grateful”), equivalent to thank + -ful. Compare Old High German undankfol (“unthankful, ungrateful”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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