gratuity
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for gratuity, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sum of money given to a member of staff for good service, especially in a restaurant or hotel; a tip.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun formal
A sum of money given to a member of staff for good service, especially in a restaurant or hotel; a tip.
“A gratuity of 12.5 per cent has been added to your bill.”
2. noun formal
A lump sum paid to an employee or member of the armed forces on leaving or retiring.
“He received a modest gratuity after twenty-two years' service.”
How to use gratuity
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Formal. Menus, invoices and cruise contracts use gratuity; people speaking use tip.
Etymology
Via French gratuité from medieval Latin gratuitas, 'gift', from Latin gratus, 'pleasing, thankful'.
Full origin of gratuity →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a gratuity and a service charge?
A gratuity is normally voluntary and decided by the customer. A service charge is added by the business as a set percentage and may be compulsory. How each is shared with staff depends on the venue and on local law, so it is fair to ask.
Is a gratuity the same as a tip?
Yes in meaning; the difference is register. Gratuity is the formal word used on bills and in contracts, while tip is what people say and write informally.
Do I still tip if a gratuity is included?
Usually not. If the bill already shows a gratuity or service charge, the expectation has been met, though many people round up for unusually good service.