[gra.cious] adj [ME, fr. MF gracieus, fr. L gratiosus enjoying favor, agreeable, fr. gratia] (14c) 1 a obs: godly b archaic: pleasing, acceptable
2. a: marked by kindness and courtesy 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 "~ living"
3: merciful, compassionate--used conventionally of royalty and high nobility -- gra.cious.ly adv -- gra.cious.ness n syn 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 suggest a genuine liking for the companionship of others "sociable people who enjoy entertaining".