English Reference

Word

thanks

US/ˈθæŋks/

UK/θˈæŋks/

Definitions

01expressions of gratitude

A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun

n. words or actions that show you are grateful for something.

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

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

“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'.

Synonyms

gratitudeappreciationacknowledgment

02saying thank you

A1 · Beginner Informal

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

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

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

“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.

Synonyms

cheersta

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “thanks” in context.

01. thanks in part 02. thanks to new

Etymology

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

01. thanks a bunch

02. thanks for nothing

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
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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