gratefully
gb/ɡɹˈeɪtfəli/ us/ɡɹˈeɪtfəli/
B1
English
~ 3800
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
In a thankful manner
In a way that shows you are happy and thankful for something.
Usage pattern:
to [verb] gratefully
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'gratefully' with 'gracefully'. 'Gratefully' relates to thankfulness, not elegance or beauty of movement.
Synonyms
thankfully (Often interchangeable, but 'thankfully' can also mean 'fortunately' in some contexts, while 'gratefully' does not.)
|
appreciatively (More formal and emphasizes recognition of value rather than emotion.)
Antonyms
ungratefully (Expresses the opposite attitude, showing no thanks or appreciation.)
Collocations
smile gratefully
|accept gratefully
|nod gratefully
|receive gratefully
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She smiled gratefully as he handed her the umbrella.
- He accepted the award gratefully, thanking his team.
- They nodded gratefully when help arrived.
- The patient looked at the nurse gratefully after receiving water.
- She took the offered seat gratefully after standing for hours.
Learner examples
- I smiled gratefully when she helped me.
- He took the food gratefully.
- They nodded gratefully at the teacher.
- She accepted the gift gratefully.
- We listened gratefully to his advice.
Grammar
Dictionary form
gratefully
IPA
GB/ɡɹˈeɪtfəli/
US/ɡɹˈeɪtfəli/
Syllables & stress
grate - fully (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (grate)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: gratefully
- Plural: gratefullies
Word family
Forms
gratefullies
noun
Related words
gratefulness
noun
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
accept gratefully
1/æksˈɛpt ɡɹˈeɪtfəli/
fixed phrase
Receive something with thanks
To take something and show that you are happy and thankful for it.
Examples
- She accepted the invitation gratefully, happy to join the celebration.
- He accepted the warm coat gratefully on the cold night.
nod gratefully
1/nˈɑd ɡɹˈeɪtfəli/
fixed phrase
Nod to express thanks
To move your head up and down to show you are thankful.
Examples
- He nodded gratefully when the driver stopped for him.
- She nodded gratefully at the waiter who brought extra water.
smile gratefully
1/smˈaɪl ɡɹˈeɪtfəli/
fixed phrase
Smile to show thanks
To smile in a way that shows you are thankful.
Examples
- The child smiled gratefully when given the gift.
- She smiled gratefully as he held the door open.