WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
grate•ful /ˈgreɪtfəl/USA pronunciation
adj.
grate•ful•ness, n. [uncountable]See -grat-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- thankful;
appreciative:I am grateful for your help. - expressing gratitude:a grateful letter.
grate•ful•ness, n. [uncountable]See -grat-.
grate•ful
(grāt′fəl),USA pronunciation adj.
grate′ful•ly, adv.
grate′ful•ness, n.
- warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received;
thankful:I am grateful to you for your help. - expressing or actuated by gratitude:a grateful letter.
- pleasing to the mind or senses;
agreeable or welcome;
refreshing:a grateful breeze.
- Latin grātus) + -ful
- obsolete grate pleasing (1545–55
grate′ful•ness, n.
- 1. obliged, indebted. Grateful, thankful describe an appreciative attitude for what one has received. Grateful indicates a warm or deep appreciation of personal kindness as shown to one:grateful for favors; grateful to one's neighbors for help in time of trouble.Thankful indicates a disposition to express gratitude by giving thanks, as to a benefactor or to a merciful Providence; there is often a sense of deliverance as well as of appreciation:thankful that one's life was spared in an accident; thankful for the comfort of one's general situation. 3. pleasant, gratifying, satisfying.