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thanks

n. · interj.
US //ˈθæŋks// UK //θˈæŋks// thanks
  1. 1 expressions of gratitude (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    words or actions that show you are grateful for something.

    expressions of appreciation or gratitude, typically used in the plural form.

    Example

    We would like to give our sincere thanks to everyone who helped us move house.

    Example

    The chairman offered his formal thanks to the departing board members for their years of dedicated service to the organisation.

    Usage

    Usually functions as a plural noun and takes a plural verb.

    Pitfall
    He gave me a thank for the gift.
    He gave me his thanks for the gift.

    As a noun, 'thanks' is almost always plural. You cannot say 'a thank'.

  2. 2 saying thank you (interj.)
    A1 Beginner Informal

    a short way to say 'thank you' when someone does something for you.

    an informal formulaic expression used to acknowledge a gift, service, or compliment.

    Example

    Thanks for the coffee; it is exactly what I needed this morning.

    Example

    Thanks for the heads-up regarding the schedule change, as I would have otherwise missed the opening remarks.

    Usage

    Used as a standalone exclamation or at the end of a sentence.

Origin

From Middle English thanks, thankes, from Old English þancas (“thanks”), from Proto-Germanic þankōs, nominative plural of þankaz (“thought, gratitude”), from Proto-Indo-European *teng- (“to think, feel”). More at thank.

Idioms2 entries

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