adjective
gracious
GRAY-shuhs
adjective
1
Warm, polite, and considerate toward others, especially in a way that shows good manners.
"Our host was gracious enough to let us stay an extra night."
"She was gracious in defeat, congratulating her opponent warmly."
2
Elegant and comfortable, often describing a lifestyle or surroundings.
"The old manor house was known for its gracious living."
interjection
1
Used to express surprise, shock, or mild frustration.
""Good gracious!" she exclaimed when she saw the mess."
How to Use Gracious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWarm, polite, and generous in manner — the kind of person who makes others feel welcome and respected.
Common mistake
Don't mix up with graceful — gracious is about kindness and manners, graceful is about elegant movement or handling.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
gracious host
gracious in defeat
gracious living
good gracious
Word Forms
more gracious comparative, most gracious superlative
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Our host was _____ enough to let us stay an extra night.
Etymology
From Old French gracieus, from Latin gratiosus ("agreeable, obliging"), from gratia ("favor, esteem") — the same root as grace.