gracious
AdjectiveUS[grey-shuhs]/ˈɡreɪʃəs/2 syllables
Open English WordNet
Adjective (4)
- characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit“gracious even to unexpected visitors”“gracious living”“he bears insult with gracious good humor”Opposite ungraciousSimilar merciful, elegantSee also friendly, refined
- characterized by kindness and warm courtesy especially of a king to his subjects“our benignant king”Synonyms: benignantOpposite unkindSimilar kind
- exhibiting courtesy and politeness“a nice gesture”Synonyms: courteousniceOpposite impoliteSimilar polite
- disposed to bestow favors“thanks to the gracious gods”Opposite unpropitiousSimilar propitious
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hyperbolenoun
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Gra′cious (grā′shŭs), adjective
Origin: F. gracieux, L. gratiosus. See Grace.
1. Abounding in grace or mercy; manifesting love, or bestowing mercy; characterized by grace; beneficent; merciful; disposed to show kindness or favor; condescending; as, his most gracious majesty.
A god ready to pardon, gracious and merciful.— Neh. ix. 17.
So hallowed and so gracious in the time.— William Shakespeare
2. Abounding in beauty, loveliness, or amiability; graceful; excellent.
Since the birth of Cain, the first male child,... There was not such a gracious creature born.— William Shakespeare
3. Produced by divine grace; influenced or controlled by the divine influence; as, gracious affections.
Synonyms: Favorable; kind; benevolent; friendly; beneficent; benignant; merciful.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54