# thankful

/ˈθæŋkfəɫ/ (US) · /θˈæŋkfəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thankful
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. feeling or showing gratitude

adjective · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. feeling relief

adjective · CEFR B1

feeling pleased or relieved that something bad did not happen.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I am thankful for your help with the project.
- After the storm passed without damaging the house, the family felt deeply thankful for their safety.
- While the survivors were understandably shaken by the accident, they remained profoundly thankful for the swift response of the emergency services.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.