gracious

The word “gracious” means warm, polite, and considerate toward others, especially in a way that shows good manners. In plain terms, warm, polite, and generous in manner — the kind of person who makes others feel welcome and respected.

“Gracious” is pronounced GRAY-shuhs (/ˈɡɹeɪʃəs/ in IPA).

Here is “gracious” used in a sentence: “Our host was gracious enough to let us stay an extra night.”

Depending on how it is used, “gracious” can be an adjective and an interjection.

The word “gracious” comes from Latin. From Old French gracieus, from Latin gratiosus ("agreeable, obliging"), from gratia ("favor, esteem") — the same root as grace.

“Gracious” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Gracious” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: warm, polite, and considerate toward others, especially in a way that shows good manners.

"Gracious" describes warm, polite, and considerate behavior toward others, while "graceful" describes elegance of movement or physical form. The two words are often confused because they look similar, but "gracious" is about manners and kindness, whereas "graceful" is about poise.

"Good gracious" uses "gracious" as an interjection to express surprise, shock, or mild frustration, similar to saying "good grief" or "goodness." It is a mild, old-fashioned exclamation rather than a description of someone's manners.

"Polite" simply means observing good manners, while "gracious" implies a warmer, more generous consideration toward others that goes beyond basic politeness. "Gracious" can also describe an elegant, comfortable lifestyle or surroundings, a sense "polite" does not carry.