/ ˈgreɪtfl; NAmE / adjective
1.
grateful (to sb) (for sth) | grateful (to do sth) | grateful (that ... ) feeling or showing thanks because sb has done sth kind for you or has done as you asked :
I am extremely grateful to all the teachers for their help.
We would be grateful for any information you can give us.
She seems to think I should be grateful to have a job at all.
He was grateful that she didn't tell his parents about the incident.
Grateful thanks are due to the following people for their help ...
Kate gave him a grateful smile.
2.
used to make a request, especially in a letter or in a formal situation :
I would be grateful if you could send the completed form back as soon as possible.
► grate·ful·ly / -fəli; NAmE / adverb :
He nodded gratefully.
All donations will be gratefully received.
•
IDIOMS
see small adjective
••
WORD FAMILY
grateful adjective (≠ ungrateful )
gratitude noun (≠ ingratitude )
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from obsolete grate pleasing, thankful (from Latin gratus ) + -ful .