English Reference

Word

thanking

Phoneticsthank·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈθæŋkɪŋ/

UK/θˈæŋkɪŋ/

Definitions

01expressing gratitude

A1 · Beginner

v. the action of saying thank you to someone.

v. the present participle of 'thank', used to express appreciation or gratitude to a person for a gift, service, or kindness.

“She is thanking her teacher for the extra help after class.”

“The CEO spent the afternoon thanking the volunteers individually for their tireless contributions to the charity auction.”

02the act of giving thanks

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal

n. the act of showing that you are grateful.

n. the gerund form of 'thank', functioning as a noun to describe the process or instance of expressing gratitude.

“The thanking of the guests took longer than the actual dinner.”

“The formal thanking of the sponsors was a key part of the evening's ceremony, ensuring their continued support for the foundation.”

Word family

VERB

thanking(A1)

ADJECTIVE

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.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL 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: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A1 · Beginner
Updated

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English Reference