English Dictionary

Definition of “gracious

gracious (ˈɡreɪʃəsPronunciation for gracious

Definitions

adjective

  1. characterized by or showing kindness and courtesy
  2. condescendingly courteous, benevolent, or indulgent
  3. characterized by or suitable for a life of elegance, ease, and indulgence  ⇒ gracious living gracious furnishings 
  4. merciful or compassionate
  5. obsolete fortunate, prosperous, or happy

exclamation

  1. an expression of mild surprise or wonder (often in exclamatory phrases such as good gracious!, gracious me!)

Alternative Forms

ˈgraciously adverb ˈgraciousness noun

Usage examples

  • Less gracious than an American colonial mansion, it looked domestic, comfortable, welcoming.
    Barnard, Robert, Death in Purple Prose (1987)
  • It is essential that tea gets recognised as a healthy and refreshing drink with the trappings of a gracious lifestyle.
    Business Today (2002)
  • I think it was a very gracious gesture by the Richardson family," Fox said.
    CBC (2004)
  • Mr Robinson, when told he had made the front page in Bangalore, quipped: "Goodness gracious me!
    Belfast Telegraph (2003)
  • Anna Andreevna tried to be friendly and gracious but was cold and distracted.
    MacLehose, Christopher (ed.), Turning the Page: Essays, Memoirs, Fiction, Poetry and One Sermon (1993)

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