gracious

Main Entry:: gra·cious
Pronunciation:: \ˈgrā-shəs\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French gracieus, from Latin gratiosus enjoying favor, agreeable, from gratia
Date:: 14th century

1 aobsolete : godly barchaic : pleasing , acceptable2 a: marked by kindness and courtesy <a gracious host> b: graceful c: marked by tact and delicacy : urbane d: characterized by charm, good taste, generosity of spirit, and the tasteful leisure of wealth and good breeding <gracious living>3: merciful , compassionate —used conventionally of royalty and high nobility

— gra·cious·ly adverb

— gra·cious·ness noun

synonyms gracious , cordial , affable , genial , sociable mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse. gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration <the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues>. cordial stresses warmth and heartiness <our host was cordial as he greeted us>. affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals <though wealthy, she was affable to all>. genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality <a genial companion with a ready quip>. sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others <sociable people who enjoy entertaining>.

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