Etymology Map
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Gratitude

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means the quality of being thankful

Where does the word "gratitude" come from? It comes from Latin gratus, passing through French before entering English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
gratus
Latin · ancient
"pleasing, thankful"
the root of 'grace' and 'gratis'
2
Stage 2 of 3
gratitude
French · 1400s
"gratitude"
a learned formation
3
Stage 3 of 3
gratitude
English · 1500s
"thankfulness"
'ingratitude' is recorded earlier
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Read the full story

Gratitude’s story begins in Latin: gratus meant “pleasing, thankful.” The root of 'grace' and 'gratis'. By 1400s, the word had taken hold in French as gratitude. A learned formation. It reached English by 1500s as gratitude. 'ingratitude' is recorded earlier. Today, gratitude means the quality of being thankful.