ENGLISH
REFERENCE

thankful

adj.
US //ˈθæŋkfəɫ// UK //θˈæŋkfəl// thank·ful
  1. 1 feeling or showing gratitude (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    feeling or showing that you are happy and grateful for something.

    expressing or feeling gratitude; appreciative of a benefit received.

    Example

    I am very thankful for all the support you gave me during the move.

    Example

    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.

  2. 2 feeling relief (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    feeling pleased or relieved that something bad did not happen.

    expressing relief that a particular misfortune was avoided or a difficult period has ended.

    Example

    We were thankful to arrive home safely before the heavy snow started.

    Example

    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.
Origin

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”).

Word family

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