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A1 noun #3,858 más común 12 min de lectura

grateful

Top 3,858

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos grateful en 30 segundos

Explicación grateful in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'grateful' is a very useful word to learn alongside 'thank you'. It is a simple way to express that you are happy because someone helped you or gave you something. You can use it in basic sentences like 'I am grateful' or 'I am grateful for the gift'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that it is an adjective, so you use it after 'am', 'is', or 'are'. It helps you sound more polite and sincere than just saying 'thanks'. For example, if a teacher helps you with a difficult word, saying 'I am grateful for your help' is a very nice way to show you appreciate them. You might also hear it in simple songs or stories about being kind and sharing. It's one of the first 'feeling' words you should learn because it's so common in daily life. Focus on the spelling (G-R-A-T-E-F-U-L) and the basic meaning: feeling good because someone was kind to you.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'grateful' with more detail. You should practice the pattern 'grateful for [something]' and 'grateful to [someone]'. This allows you to be more specific. Instead of just saying 'I am grateful', you can say 'I am grateful to my friend for the dinner'. You will also encounter 'grateful' in more contexts, such as short emails or notes. For example, if you are writing a thank-you note for a birthday present, 'I am very grateful for the book' is a perfect sentence. You might also start to see it used with adverbs like 'very' or 'really' to show more emotion. It's important to distinguish it from 'happy'. While you might be happy about a sunny day, you are grateful when someone does something specifically for you. Start noticing how people use it in movies or when they receive awards. It's a key word for building positive relationships in English.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'grateful' in a variety of social and semi-formal situations. You can start using it to make polite requests, such as 'I would be grateful if you could help me with this project'. This is a very common way to ask for a favor in a professional or academic setting. You should also be aware of the noun form 'gratitude' and how it differs from the adjective 'grateful'. You might say 'I want to express my gratitude' (noun) or 'I am grateful' (adjective). At this level, you can also use more sophisticated adverbs like 'deeply' or 'sincerely'. For instance, 'I am sincerely grateful for your support during my exams'. You will see 'grateful' more often in reading passages about psychology, well-being, or social issues. Understanding the nuance that 'grateful' implies a social connection or a sense of being helped is important for your growing vocabulary.

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At the B2 level, you should understand the subtle differences between 'grateful' and its synonyms like 'appreciative', 'thankful', and 'indebted'. You can use 'grateful' in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Having received so much help, I felt truly grateful'. You should also be able to use it in formal writing, such as cover letters or formal complaints (where you might be 'grateful for a quick response'). At this level, you can use 'grateful' to describe not just feelings toward people, but also appreciation for abstract concepts or life situations, like being 'grateful for the opportunity to live in a diverse city'. You should also be aware of common collocations like 'forever grateful' or 'immensely grateful'. Your usage should feel natural and appropriately matched to the level of formality of the situation. You might also encounter the word in more literary contexts, where it describes a character's internal state or a thematic element of a story.

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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'grateful', using it with precision in high-level academic, professional, and creative writing. You can use it to express complex emotional states or to navigate delicate social interactions. For example, you might use 'grateful' in a nuanced way to acknowledge a mentor's influence: 'I am profoundly grateful for the intellectual rigor you demanded of me.' You should also be familiar with more obscure uses, such as the attributive use ('a grateful sigh of relief') or its use in historical texts. At this level, you can analyze how 'grateful' is used in rhetoric to build rapport with an audience or to establish a persona of humility. You should also be able to discuss the concept of 'gratitude' in a philosophical or psychological context, using 'grateful' as a key term. Your vocabulary should also include related terms like 'unrequited gratitude' or 'ingratitude', and you should be able to use them correctly in context.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete, native-like mastery of 'grateful'. you can use it with absolute precision, catching every subtle connotation and stylistic nuance. You might use it ironically, or in highly specialized contexts where its meaning is slightly shifted. You are aware of the word's etymological journey and how that affects its modern usage. In your writing, 'grateful' is one of many tools you use to create a specific tone, and you can seamlessly switch between 'grateful', 'beholden', 'obliged', and 'appreciative' depending on the exact effect you want to achieve. You can appreciate the word's use in the highest levels of literature and poetry, and you can use it yourself to evoke deep emotion or to make sophisticated points about human nature and social structures. Your understanding of the word is not just about its definition, but about its place within the vast web of the English language and its cultural history.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

grateful en 30 segundos

An adjective meaning 'feeling or showing thanks'.
Commonly used in patterns like 'grateful for [thing]' and 'grateful to [person]'.
Used in both casual (friends) and formal (business) contexts.
A key word for expressing appreciation and building positive relationships.

The word grateful is a foundational adjective in the English language, primarily used to describe a state of appreciation or thankfulness. When you feel grateful, you are acknowledging a benefit you have received, whether it is a physical gift, a kind gesture, or a favorable set of circumstances. It is a word that connects the internal feeling of happiness with an external source of that happiness. In daily life, we use 'grateful' to signal polite recognition or deep emotional debt. It is more than just saying 'thank you'; it is about the internal state of recognizing that someone else has contributed positively to your life. For instance, after a long day of work, you might feel grateful for a warm meal prepared by a family member. This feeling encompasses both the physical satisfaction of the meal and the emotional recognition of the effort involved.

Emotional Depth: Grateful implies a warm feeling of appreciation. It is often deeper than 'thankful,' which can sometimes be a reflexive social response.
Social Function: It serves as a social lubricant, acknowledging the interdependence of human relationships and the value of altruism.
Contextual Versatility: It is used in casual settings (friends), professional settings (colleagues), and formal writing (letters of appreciation).

"I am incredibly grateful for all the support you've shown me during this difficult transition," Sarah whispered to her mentor.

The word often appears in the structure 'grateful for [something]' or 'grateful to [someone]'. This dual prepositional use allows the speaker to identify both the source of the kindness and the kindness itself. In modern psychological contexts, 'being grateful' is often associated with mindfulness and mental well-being, where individuals are encouraged to keep 'gratitude journals' to document things they are grateful for. This practice highlights how the word has moved from a simple social response to a key component of emotional health. Whether you are expressing thanks for a life-saving surgery or simply for a sunny day, 'grateful' captures the essence of positive recognition.

The community was grateful for the new park, which provided a safe space for children to play.

In professional environments, 'grateful' is often used to soften requests or to provide formal feedback. For example, a manager might say, 'I would be grateful if you could finish the report by Friday.' Here, it functions as a polite way to give a command, implying that the completion of the task is a favor that will be appreciated. This nuances the word, showing its flexibility beyond just pure emotion into the realm of professional etiquette. It creates an atmosphere of mutual respect, suggesting that the speaker does not take the other person's work for granted.

We are grateful to our sponsors for making this event possible.

He felt grateful just to be alive after the accident.

The students were grateful for the extra time given to complete the exam.

Using 'grateful' correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns and the prepositions that typically follow it. The most common structure is 'Subject + be/feel + grateful'. This describes the internal state of the subject. To specify what the feeling is about, we use 'for' followed by a noun or a gerund. To specify who the feeling is directed toward, we use 'to' followed by the person or entity. Mastering these two prepositions is essential for clear communication. For example, 'I am grateful to my parents for their love.' Here, the 'to' identifies the recipients of the gratitude, and the 'for' identifies the cause.

Pattern: Grateful for + [Noun/Gerund]: Used to identify the reason for the thankfulness. Example: 'I'm grateful for the rain.'
Pattern: Grateful to + [Person]: Used to identify the person who helped you. Example: 'She was grateful to the doctor.'
Pattern: Grateful + [that clause]: Used to explain a situation in detail. Example: 'We are grateful that no one was hurt.'

If you could send me the files by noon, I would be very grateful.

In more complex sentences, 'grateful' can be modified by adverbs to show the intensity of the feeling. Common adverbs include 'extremely', 'deeply', 'profoundly', 'forever', and 'immensely'. For instance, 'I am deeply grateful for your intervention' suggests a much stronger emotion than 'I am grateful'. This allows for a wide range of expression, from casual politeness to life-altering appreciation. It is also common to see 'grateful' in the conditional form 'would be grateful if...', which is a standard way to make polite requests in formal English. This construction is very frequent in business emails and academic correspondence.

She was grateful for the opportunity to speak at the conference.

Furthermore, 'grateful' can be used in the attributive position (before a noun), though this is less common than the predicative position (after a verb). An example would be 'She gave him a grateful look.' In this case, the adjective describes the noun 'look,' indicating that the look itself expressed gratitude. This usage is often found in literature and storytelling to describe characters' reactions and non-verbal communication. It adds a layer of descriptive detail that helps the reader understand the character's internal state without the author having to state it explicitly.

They were grateful for the warm welcome they received in the small village.

I am grateful for your patience while we resolve this technical issue.

Most people are grateful for a bit of help when they are moving house.

The word 'grateful' is ubiquitous, appearing in almost every domain of English life, from the most intimate personal conversations to formal state ceremonies. In everyday speech, you’ll hear it when someone performs a small favor. For instance, if a neighbor brings over some extra vegetables from their garden, you might say, 'Oh, I'm so grateful for these!' It adds a touch of sincerity that 'thanks' sometimes lacks. In the realm of media, particularly in interviews or awards speeches, 'grateful' is a staple. Actors, musicians, and athletes frequently express how grateful they are to their fans, their families, or their teams. This public use of the word reinforces its association with success and humility.

Awards and Speeches: Commonly used to acknowledge support. 'I am so grateful to the Academy for this honor.'
Customer Service: Used by representatives to show appreciation for a customer's business or patience. 'We are grateful for your loyalty.'
Medical Settings: Patients often use it to thank healthcare workers. 'I am so grateful to the nurses who looked after me.'

"I'm just grateful to have the chance to play in the finals," the athlete told reporters.

In literature and film, 'grateful' is used to highlight a character's vulnerability or their realization of the importance of others. A character might have a monologue where they reflect on everything they are grateful for, often signaling a turning point in their development from selfishness to empathy. In the digital world, you'll see 'grateful' in social media captions, often accompanied by hashtags like #blessed or #gratitude. It is used to frame life experiences in a positive light, sharing moments of joy with a wider audience. This digital usage sometimes leans toward the performative, but the core meaning remains the same.

The charity expressed how grateful they were for the anonymous donation.

In religious and spiritual contexts, 'grateful' is a key concept. Many prayers and meditations focus on being grateful to a higher power or the universe for the gift of life and various blessings. This spiritual dimension gives the word a sense of sanctity and profound importance. Whether it's a Thanksgiving dinner in the United States or a Harvest festival in another part of the world, the theme of being grateful is central to many cultural celebrations. It is a word that transcends secular boundaries and speaks to a universal human experience of receiving and acknowledging good.

"We should be grateful for what we have," his grandmother used to say.

The survivors were deeply grateful for the rescue team's efforts.

I'm grateful for the advice you gave me; it really helped me make a decision.

Despite its simplicity, 'grateful' is frequently misused, especially by non-native speakers. The most common error involves spelling. Many people mistakenly write 'greatful' because they associate the feeling of gratitude with the word 'great'. However, the word comes from the Latin 'gratus', meaning pleasing or thankful, which is the same root for 'gratitude'. Remembering the link between 'grateful' and 'gratitude' can help avoid this common spelling trap. Another frequent mistake is the confusion between 'grateful' and 'thankful'. While they are often interchangeable, 'grateful' usually implies a deeper, more lasting feeling, whereas 'thankful' can be a more immediate reaction to a specific event.

Spelling: 'Greatful' vs 'Grateful': Mistake: 'I am so greatful.' Correct: 'I am so grateful.' Think of a 'grate' or 'gratitude'.
Preposition Confusion: Mistake: 'I am grateful for you for the help.' Correct: 'I am grateful to you for the help.'
Word Class Error: Mistake: 'I want to show my grateful.' Correct: 'I want to show my gratitude.' (Grateful is an adjective, gratitude is a noun).

Incorrect: He was greatful for the gift. Correct: He was grateful for the gift.

Another subtle mistake is using 'grateful' in situations that are too minor, which can sometimes come across as overly dramatic or insincere. For example, saying 'I am profoundly grateful that you passed the salt' might sound sarcastic. In very minor situations, a simple 'thanks' or 'thank you' is more appropriate. Conversely, failing to use 'grateful' in a situation that warrants it can make a person seem entitled. If someone saves your life or gives you a massive career opportunity, a simple 'thanks' might not be enough; 'I am so grateful' carries the necessary weight.

Incorrect: I am grateful to your help. Correct: I am grateful for your help.

There is also a tendency to confuse 'grateful' with 'gratuitous'. While they share a root, 'gratuitous' means 'done without good reason' or 'uncalled for' (e.g., gratuitous violence). Using 'gratuitous' when you mean 'grateful' would completely change the meaning of your sentence, often into something negative. Finally, ensure that the subject of the sentence is the person feeling the emotion. You cannot say 'The gift was grateful'; the gift cannot feel emotion. Instead, you say 'I was grateful for the gift'.

Incorrect: I would be gratitude if you could help. Correct: I would be grateful if you could help.

Incorrect: I am grateful of the opportunity. Correct: I am grateful for the opportunity.

Incorrect: She felt greatfully. Correct: She felt grateful.

While 'grateful' is a versatile word, English offers several synonyms and alternatives that can add precision or change the tone of your message. Understanding the nuances between these words allows you to tailor your expression to the specific context. The most direct alternative is 'thankful'. While often used interchangeably, 'thankful' can sometimes refer to a sense of relief that something bad didn't happen (e.g., 'I'm thankful the storm missed us'), whereas 'grateful' more often focuses on the positive benefit received. 'Appreciative' is another excellent alternative, often used in professional contexts to acknowledge someone's efforts or qualities (e.g., 'We are appreciative of your hard work').

Grateful vs. Thankful: 'Grateful' is often deeper and more personal. 'Thankful' can be more situational or focused on relief.
Grateful vs. Appreciative: 'Appreciative' focuses on recognizing the value or quality of something. It is very common in business.
Grateful vs. Indebted: 'Indebted' is much stronger, suggesting that you owe someone a significant favor in return for their help.

We are very appreciative of the feedback you provided on the draft.

For more formal or intense situations, words like 'obliged' or 'beholden' might be used, though they are somewhat old-fashioned. 'I am much obliged to you' is a very formal way of saying 'thank you' and 'I am grateful'. In academic or literary writing, you might encounter 'profoundly thankful' or 'filled with gratitude'. If you want to express that you are so grateful you feel you owe the person, 'indebted' is the perfect word (e.g., 'I am forever indebted to the surgeon who saved my daughter'). On the informal side, people might say they are 'touched' or 'moved' by a gesture, which focuses on the emotional impact rather than the formal acknowledgement of the favor.

I was so touched by the handmade card the children gave me.

In some contexts, 'glad' can be a very simple substitute, though it lacks the element of thanks. 'I'm glad you came' expresses a similar positive feeling as 'I'm grateful you came,' but it is much less formal and doesn't imply that the person did you a favor. Understanding these distinctions helps you avoid repetition and ensures your tone matches your intent. For example, in a thank-you note, you might start with 'I am so grateful for the gift' and later say 'I really appreciate your thinking of me,' using different words to express the same core sentiment without sounding repetitive.

The family is indebted to the community for their support during the fire.

We are beholden to no one for our success; we did it all ourselves.

I am thankful that the weather stayed clear for the wedding.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'grateful' is often misspelled as 'greatful' because of the word 'great', but it actually shares its root with 'gratitude' and 'gratis' (meaning free).

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈɡreɪt.fəl/

US /ˈɡreɪt.fəl/

Primary stress on the first syllable: **GRATE**-ful.

Rima con

hateful fateful plateful stateful crateful slateful baitful weightful

Errores comunes

Pronouncing it like 'great-full' with a very long 'full' sound (it should be a short schwa sound in the second syllable).
Confusing the spelling with 'greatful'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very common word, easy to recognize in most texts.

Escritura 2/5

Spelling 'grateful' instead of 'greatful' is the main challenge.

Expresión oral 1/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful in conversation.

Escucha 1/5

Clear pronunciation and usually spoken with emphasis.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

thank you happy help give good

Aprende después

gratitude appreciate indebted sincere generous

Avanzado

beholden obliged gratuitous magnanimous altruistic

Gramática que debes saber

Adjectives after linking verbs

I feel grateful. (Grateful follows the linking verb 'feel').

Prepositional phrases with adjectives

Grateful for the rain. (Using 'for' to show the cause).

That-clauses after adjectives

I am grateful that you came. (Using a clause to explain the reason).

Polite requests with 'would be'

I would be grateful if you could help. (Using conditional for politeness).

Adverbial modification of adjectives

I am extremely grateful. (Using an adverb to show intensity).

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Ejemplos por nivel

I am grateful for the food.

Je suis reconnaissant pour la nourriture.

Subject + am + grateful + for + noun.

She is grateful for your help.

Elle est reconnaissante pour votre aide.

She + is + grateful.

We are grateful for the gift.

Nous sommes reconnaissants pour le cadeau.

We + are + grateful.

The boy is grateful for his new toy.

Le garçon est reconnaissant pour son nouveau jouet.

Singular noun + is + grateful.

I am grateful to my teacher.

Je suis reconnaissant envers mon professeur.

Grateful + to + person.

Are you grateful for the sun?

Es-tu reconnaissant pour le soleil ?

Question form: Are + you + grateful?

They are grateful for the water.

Ils sont reconnaissants pour l'eau.

Plural subject + are + grateful.

I feel grateful today.

Je me sens reconnaissant aujourd'hui.

Using 'feel' instead of 'be'.

I'm grateful to you for helping me move.

Je vous suis reconnaissant de m'avoir aidé à déménager.

Grateful to [person] for [verb-ing].

She was grateful for the chance to work here.

Elle était reconnaissante de la chance de travailler ici.

Past tense: was grateful.

We are very grateful for your kind words.

Nous sommes très reconnaissants pour vos aimables paroles.

Using the adverb 'very' for emphasis.

He felt grateful that the rain had stopped.

Il était reconnaissant que la pluie se soit arrêtée.

Grateful + that clause.

I'm grateful for the advice you gave me yesterday.

Je suis reconnaissant pour les conseils que tu m'as donnés hier.

Grateful for + noun + relative clause.

The children were grateful for the extra playtime.

Les enfants étaient reconnaissants pour le temps de jeu supplémentaire.

Plural past tense: were grateful.

I would be grateful for a glass of water.

Je serais reconnaissant pour un verre d'eau.

Conditional 'would be' for polite requests.

She is grateful to her parents for their support.

Elle est reconnaissante envers ses parents pour leur soutien.

Combined 'to' and 'for'.

I would be grateful if you could send me the details.

Je vous serais reconnaissant de bien vouloir m'envoyer les détails.

Standard polite request structure.

He is deeply grateful for the community's support.

Il est profondément reconnaissant du soutien de la communauté.

Using 'deeply' to show intense emotion.

We are grateful that the project was a success.

Nous sommes reconnaissants que le projet ait été un succès.

Grateful + that clause with a complete thought.

She felt immensely grateful for the opportunity to travel.

Elle se sentait immensément reconnaissante de l'opportunité de voyager.

Using 'immensely' for strong emphasis.

I'm grateful to have such a wonderful family.

Je suis reconnaissant d'avoir une famille si merveilleuse.

Grateful + to + infinitive.

The hospital is grateful for all the donations.

L'hôpital est reconnaissant pour tous les dons.

Organization as the subject.

He expressed how grateful he was for the feedback.

Il a exprimé à quel point il était reconnaissant pour les commentaires.

Indirect speech pattern.

I am grateful for the lessons I learned from my mistakes.

Je suis reconnaissant pour les leçons que j'ai apprises de mes erreurs.

Abstract noun as the object of 'for'.

I am eternally grateful for the second chance I was given.

Je suis éternellement reconnaissant pour la seconde chance qui m'a été donnée.

Adverb 'eternally' implies a lifelong feeling.

The researchers are grateful to the volunteers for their participation.

Les chercheurs sont reconnaissants envers les bénévoles pour leur participation.

Formal academic/professional context.

She gave him a grateful smile before she left.

Elle lui a adressé un sourire reconnaissant avant de partir.

Attributive use: adjective before a noun.

We would be extremely grateful for any information you can provide.

Nous vous serions extrêmement reconnaissants pour toute information que vous pourriez fournir.

Formal request in a serious context.

The artist was grateful for the recognition after years of struggle.

L'artiste était reconnaissant de la reconnaissance après des années de lutte.

Expressing gratitude for abstract social validation.

I am grateful for the fact that we can talk openly about this.

Je suis reconnaissant du fait que nous puissions en parler ouvertement.

Grateful for the fact that...

He was profoundly grateful for the kindness of strangers.

Il était profondément reconnaissant de la gentillesse des inconnus.

Using 'profoundly' for deep, existential gratitude.

The company is grateful for the continued loyalty of its customers.

L'entreprise est reconnaissante de la fidélité continue de ses clients.

Business context, expressing corporate gratitude.

I am profoundly grateful for the mentorship that shaped my career.

Je suis profondément reconnaissant pour le mentorat qui a façonné ma carrière.

High-level professional acknowledgement.

The community was grateful to see the historic building restored.

La communauté était reconnaissante de voir le bâtiment historique restauré.

Grateful + to + infinitive with a complex object.

She felt a grateful sense of relief when the test results arrived.

Elle a ressenti un sentiment de soulagement reconnaissant à l'arrivée des résultats des tests.

Using 'grateful' to modify 'sense of relief'.

We are immensely grateful for your unwavering commitment to this cause.

Nous sommes immensément reconnaissants pour votre engagement indéfectible envers cette cause.

Strong adverb + strong adjective (unwavering).

He acknowledged his success, yet remained grateful for his humble beginnings.

Il a reconnu son succès, tout en restant reconnaissant pour ses humbles débuts.

Contrasting success with gratitude for the past.

The author was grateful for the insightful critique of her latest novel.

L'auteur était reconnaissant pour la critique perspicace de son dernier roman.

Appreciating professional criticism.

I am eternally grateful for the serendipitous meeting that changed my life.

Je suis éternellement reconnaissant pour la rencontre fortuite qui a changé ma vie.

Using high-level vocabulary like 'serendipitous'.

They were grateful for the sanctuary provided by the small church.

Ils étaient reconnaissants pour le sanctuaire offert par la petite église.

Nuanced use of 'sanctuary'.

I am beholden to none, yet grateful to all who have crossed my path.

Je ne suis redevable à personne, mais reconnaissant envers tous ceux qui ont croisé mon chemin.

Literary contrast between 'beholden' and 'grateful'.

The protagonist's grateful acceptance of his fate marks the story's climax.

L'acceptation reconnaissante de son destin par le protagoniste marque le point culminant de l'histoire.

Grateful used as an attributive adjective in literary analysis.

One should be grateful for the ephemeral nature of beauty, for it makes it more precious.

On devrait être reconnaissant de la nature éphémère de la beauté, car cela la rend plus précieuse.

Philosophical usage of 'grateful'.

He expressed a grateful, if somewhat weary, acknowledgement of the honors bestowed upon him.

Il a exprimé une reconnaissance reconnaissante, bien qu'un peu lasse, pour les honneurs qui lui ont été décernés.

Complex sentence with parenthetical thought.

We are profoundly grateful for the intellectual legacy left by our predecessors.

Nous sommes profondément reconnaissants pour l'héritage intellectuel laissé par nos prédécesseurs.

Academic/historical context.

The survivors felt a profound, almost religious, sense of being grateful for their narrow escape.

Les survivants ont ressenti un sentiment profond, presque religieux, de reconnaissance pour leur échappée belle.

Using 'grateful' to describe a complex psychological state.

I am deeply grateful for the stoicism you displayed during the crisis.

Je suis profondément reconnaissant pour le stoïcisme dont vous avez fait preuve pendant la crise.

Appreciating a specific character trait (stoicism).

Her grateful heart was evident in every word she wrote in her memoirs.

Son cœur reconnaissant était évident dans chaque mot qu'elle écrivait dans ses mémoires.

Poetic/metaphorical use of 'grateful heart'.

Sinónimos

thankful appreciative obliged indebted pleased

Antónimos

ungrateful unappreciative

Colocaciones comunes

deeply grateful

eternally grateful

immensely grateful

forever grateful

truly grateful

extremely grateful

sincerely grateful

profoundly grateful

grateful for the opportunity

grateful for the support

Frases Comunes

I would be grateful if...

— A polite way to ask for something in a formal context.

I would be grateful if you could reply by Friday.

Grateful for small mercies

— Being thankful for small positive things in a bad situation.

It's raining, but at least it's not snowing; grateful for small mercies.

Be grateful for what you have

— A common advice to appreciate your current situation.

Stop complaining and be grateful for what you have.

Ever so grateful

— A slightly more British or informal way to say 'very grateful'.

I'm ever so grateful for the lift home.

Grateful to the core

— Feeling gratitude very deeply in your heart.

He was grateful to the core for the second chance.

A grateful heart

— Used to describe a person who is habitually thankful.

She lives her life with a grateful heart.

Show a grateful spirit

— To act in a way that shows you appreciate things.

He showed a grateful spirit despite his difficulties.

Words cannot express how grateful I am

— When you feel so much gratitude that you can't find the right words.

Words cannot express how grateful I am for your help.

Grateful beyond words

— Similar to the above; feeling extreme gratitude.

We are grateful beyond words for the rescue.

Make someone grateful

— To do something that causes someone to feel thankful.

The surprise party made her very grateful for her friends.

Se confunde a menudo con

grateful vs greatful

This is a common misspelling. It doesn't exist.

grateful vs gratuitous

Means 'uncalled for' or 'extra'. Shares a root but has a very different meaning.

grateful vs gratitude

This is the noun form. You feel grateful, but you show gratitude.

Modismos y expresiones

"Count your blessings"

— To be grateful for the good things in your life.

When you feel sad, try to count your blessings.

informal

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth"

— Don't be ungrateful when you receive a gift, even if it's not perfect.

The car is old, but it was free, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

informal

"Small mercies"

— Small things to be grateful for in a difficult situation.

The bus was late, but I had an umbrella; small mercies.

neutral

"In someone's debt"

— To be very grateful to someone because they helped you.

I am in your debt for helping me find a job.

neutral

"Dance for joy"

— To be so happy and grateful that you want to dance.

She was dancing for joy when she got the scholarship.

informal

"To be much obliged"

— A very formal way to say you are grateful.

I am much obliged to you for your assistance.

formal

"Give thanks"

— To express gratitude, often in a religious or formal way.

We gathered to give thanks for the harvest.

neutral

"Thank your lucky stars"

— To be very grateful that something bad did not happen.

Thank your lucky stars that you weren't on that plane.

informal

"Pay it forward"

— To be so grateful for help that you help someone else in return.

Someone helped me, so I'm going to pay it forward by helping you.

neutral

"With open arms"

— To be grateful and welcoming to someone.

They received the refugees with open arms.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

grateful vs thankful

They have very similar meanings.

Grateful is often deeper and more personal. Thankful is often used for relief about a situation.

I'm thankful the rain stopped, and I'm grateful for your help.

grateful vs appreciative

Both show you value something.

Appreciative is more common in professional settings and focuses on the value of the act.

The boss was appreciative of the team's effort.

grateful vs indebted

Both involve thanking someone.

Indebted is much stronger and implies you owe them something significant.

I am forever indebted to the man who saved my life.

grateful vs obliged

Both are used to show thanks.

Obliged is very formal and often used in polite requests.

I am much obliged to you for the information.

grateful vs glad

Both express happiness about a situation.

Glad is much simpler and doesn't necessarily involve thanks.

I'm glad you're here, but I'm grateful you helped me.

Patrones de oraciones

I am grateful for [noun].

I am grateful for the water.

I am grateful to [person].

I am grateful to my mom.

I am grateful for [verb-ing].

I am grateful for having a dog.

He was grateful that [clause].

He was grateful that he passed.

I would be grateful if you could [verb].

I would be grateful if you could call me.

She felt [adverb] grateful for [noun].

She felt immensely grateful for the help.

[Adverb] grateful, he [verb].

Profoundly grateful, he thanked the crowd.

To be grateful for the [adjective] [noun].

To be grateful for the ephemeral nature of life.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

gratitude

gratefulness

Verbos

(none directly - use 'express gratitude')

Adjetivos

grateful

ungrateful

Relacionado

gratis

gratify

gratuitous

gratification

congratulate

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high; it is one of the top 3,000 most common words in English.

Errores comunes

I am greatful. → I am grateful.
This is a spelling error. It should be 'grate' from the Latin root 'gratus'.
I am grateful to your help. → I am grateful for your help.
Use 'for' for the thing you are thanking someone for.
I am grateful for you to helping me. → I am grateful to you for helping me.
Swap the prepositions. 'To' for the person, 'for' for the action.
I want to show my grateful. → I want to show my gratitude.
'Grateful' is an adjective. Use the noun 'gratitude' here.
The gift was very grateful. → I was very grateful for the gift.
Only people (or animals) can feel grateful. A gift cannot feel emotion.

Consejos

Avoid the 'Great' Trap

Never write 'greatful'. Always remember that it starts with 'grate' as in 'gratitude'.

To vs For

Use 'to' for the person and 'for' for the thing. 'Grateful to Sarah for the gift.'

Polite Requests

Use 'I would be grateful if...' to make a request sound much more polite in emails.

Beyond 'Thanks'

Use 'grateful' when you want to show a deeper level of appreciation than just saying 'thanks'.

Stress the First

Always stress the first syllable: **GRATE**-ful. The second syllable should be very short.

Add an Adverb

Words like 'deeply' or 'truly' before 'grateful' make your message feel more heartfelt.

Thank-You Notes

'Grateful' is the perfect word for the first sentence of a thank-you card.

Building Rapport

Expressing that you are grateful helps build stronger and more positive relationships.

Listen for Tone

The way someone says 'grateful' can tell you if they are being sincere or just polite.

Universal Concept

Every culture values gratitude, so 'grateful' is one of the most important 'feeling' words to know.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of **GRAT**itude. If you are **GRATE**ful, you show **GRAT**itude. Don't let the word 'great' confuse you!

Asociación visual

Imagine a person holding their hands over their heart and smiling warmly at a friend who just gave them a gift.

Word Web

gratitude thankful kindness gift help appreciation blessing happy

Desafío

Try to write down three things you are grateful for every morning this week. Use the sentence: 'I am grateful for...'

Origen de la palabra

From the Middle English word 'grateful', which combined the obsolete adjective 'grate' (meaning 'agreeable' or 'thankful') with the suffix '-ful'. The word 'grate' comes from the Latin 'gratus', meaning 'pleasing' or 'thankful'.

Significado original: Originally meant 'pleasing' or 'agreeable' as well as 'thankful'. Over time, the 'pleasing' sense faded, and it became primarily about being thankful.

Indo-European (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to sound overly dramatic for very small things, as it might seem insincere or sarcastic.

Saying 'I'm grateful' is considered more sincere and formal than just 'thanks'. It's often used in thank-you cards.

The Grateful Dead (famous American rock band) Gratitude journals (popular self-help tool) Thanksgiving (major US/Canadian holiday)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Receiving a gift

I'm so grateful for this!
Thank you, I'm very grateful.
You shouldn't have, but I'm grateful.
It's exactly what I wanted, I'm grateful.

In a job interview

I'm grateful for the opportunity to interview.
I'd be grateful to join your team.
I'm grateful for your time today.
I'm grateful for the feedback.

After being helped

I'm so grateful to you for helping me.
I don't know what I'd do without you, I'm grateful.
I'm deeply grateful for your support.
I'm grateful for your patience.

In a formal email

I would be grateful if you could...
We are grateful for your prompt response.
I am grateful for the clarification.
Please accept our grateful thanks.

Daily reflection

I am grateful for my health.
I am grateful for my family.
I am grateful for this beautiful day.
I have so much to be grateful for.

Inicios de conversación

"What is one thing you are really grateful for today?"

"Who is a person in your life that you are most grateful to?"

"Are you grateful for the technology we have today, or do you think it's a problem?"

"What's a small thing that happened recently that made you feel grateful?"

"How do you usually show people that you are grateful for their help?"

Temas para diario

Write about a time someone did something kind for you and how grateful you felt.

List five things in your house that you are grateful for and explain why.

Describe a difficult situation that actually made you grateful for something later on.

Who is someone you haven't thanked recently? Write a letter to them explaining why you are grateful.

How does feeling grateful change your mood or your day?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is always 'grateful'. The word comes from 'gratitude', not 'great'. Think of the 'grate' in 'gratitude'.

Yes, but it's more common to be 'grateful to' a person. If you are 'grateful for' someone, it means you are happy they exist or are in your life. For example, 'I am grateful for my sister.'

They are very similar. 'Grateful' is often seen as deeper and more personal, while 'thankful' can be more situational or express relief (e.g., 'I'm thankful it didn't rain').

A common way is to say 'I would be grateful if you could...' or 'We are grateful for your business.' It sounds professional and polite.

It is an adjective. You use it to describe how you feel (e.g., 'I am grateful'). The noun form is 'gratitude'.

No, that's a mistake. You are 'grateful FOR help' and 'grateful TO a person'. So, 'I am grateful for your help' or 'I am grateful to you for your help'.

Common adverbs include: deeply, immensely, forever, eternally, truly, and sincerely. These help show how much gratitude you feel.

Yes, it is used exactly the same way in both. It is a universal English word.

Usually no, but it can be used sarcastically. For example, 'I'm so grateful you're late again' (meaning the opposite).

The most common opposite is 'ungrateful'. Other words include 'unappreciative' or 'thankless'.

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