grate ‧ ful S3 W3 /ˈɡreɪtf ə l/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ gratitude ≠ ↑ ingratitude , ↑ ingrate ; adverb : ↑ gratefully ; adjective : ↑ grateful ≠ ↑ ungrateful ]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Origin: grate 'pleasing, thankful' (16-17 centuries) , from Latin gratus ]
1 . feeling that you want to thank someone because of something kind that they have done, or showing this feeling OPP ungrateful
grateful for
I’m so grateful for all your help.
grateful to
I am very grateful to all those who took the trouble to write to me.
grateful (that)
She should be grateful that he was making things easier for her.
extremely/deeply/eternally etc grateful
I am extremely grateful for the assistance your staff have provided.
Our grateful thanks go to all who participated.
She gave me a grateful look.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say I appreciate it rather than I’m grateful :
▪ Thanks, I’m really grateful. ➔ Thanks, I really appreciate it.
▪ | I’m grateful for everything you've done. ➔ I appreciate everything you've done.
2 . I would be grateful if you could/would ... formal used to make a request:
I would be most grateful if you could send me an invoice in due course.
—gratefully adverb :
All contributions will be gratefully received.
The authors gratefully acknowledge your financial support.