/ ˈgreɪʃəs; NAmE / adjective
1.
( of people or behaviour ) kind, polite and generous, especially to sb of a lower social position :
a gracious lady
a gracious smile
He has not yet learned how to be gracious in defeat.
2.
[ usually before noun ] showing the comfort and easy way of life that wealth can bring :
gracious living
3.
[ only before noun ] ( BrE , formal ) used as a very polite word for royal people or their actions :
her gracious Majesty the Queen
4.
gracious (to sb) ( of God ) showing kindness and mercy :
a gracious act of God
5.
(becoming old-fashioned ) used for expressing surprise :
Goodness gracious!
'I hope you didn't mind my phoning you.' 'Good gracious, no, of course not.'
► gra·cious·ly adverb :
She graciously accepted our invitation.
► gra·cious·ness noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : via Old French from Latin gratiosus , from gratia esteem, favour, from gratus pleasing, thankful.