Etymology Map
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Gratis

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means without charge

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

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

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.