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Today it means

gratis

without charge

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Where does the word "gratis" come from? It comes from Latin gratiis, and was adopted directly into English (1400s).

Read the full story

Where does the word "gratis" come from? It comes from Latin gratiis, and was adopted directly into English (1400s).

Gratis’s story begins in Latin: gratiis meant “as a favour.” From 'gratia', favour. It reached English by 1400s as gratis. 'gratuity' and 'gratitude' share the root. Today, gratis means without charge.

  1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient gratiis "as a favour", from 'gratia', favour.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1400s gratis "free of charge", 'gratuity' and 'gratitude' share the root.

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