Gratified - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

To be 'gratified' means to feel pleased and satisfied because someone has done or said something nice to you, or because something good has happened. It’s a deeper sense of satisfaction than just being happy; it involves appreciation and thankfulness. Think of it like receiving a thoughtful gift that you truly cherish; the feeling is more heartfelt. It's similar to being content, but with an extra layer of gratitude. Receiving praise for a job well done is a good way to feel gratified.

Etymology

'Gratified' comes from the Latin word 'gratus,' meaning 'pleasing' or 'thankful.' Over time, it evolved through Old French into Middle English as 'gratify.' The root 'gratus' is also the origin of words like 'grateful' and 'gratitude,' highlighting the inherent connection to thankfulness. So, when you feel gratified, you're essentially experiencing a form of gratitude.

Related Words

Examples

• "She was gratified by the positive feedback on her presentation."
• "He felt gratified that his hard work had paid off."
• "The teacher was gratified to see her students succeed."
• "I was gratified by their kind words of support."

Encouragement

Use 'gratified' when you want to express a deeper level of satisfaction and appreciation. It's a great way to show that you value the kindness or effort of others. Plus, it makes you sound sophisticated! Practice using it and you'll be gratified by the results! 😉

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