adj.
Pronunciation: ' gr ā -sh ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French gracieus, from Latin gratiosus enjoying favor, agreeable, from gratia
Date: 14th century
1 a obsolete : GODLY b archaic : PLEASING , ACCEPTABLE
2 a : marked by kindness and courtesy <a gracious host> b : GRACEFUL c : marked by tact and delicacy : URBANE d : characterized by charm, good taste, generosity of spirit, and the tasteful leisure of wealth and good breeding < gracious living>
3 : MERCIFUL , COMPASSIONATE ― used conventionally of royalty and high nobility
– gra · cious · ly adverb
– gra · cious · ness noun
synonyms GRACIOUS , CORDIAL , AFFABLE , GENIAL , SOCIABLE mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse. GRACIOUS implies courtesy and kindly consideration <the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues>. CORDIAL stresses warmth and heartiness <our host was cordial as he greeted us>. AFFABLE implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals <though wealthy, she was affable to all>. GENIAL stresses cheerfulness and even joviality <a genial companion with a ready quip>. SOCIABLE suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others < sociable people who enjoy entertaining>.