gracious
UK/'greiʃәs/US
IELTSTOEFLGREC1
Definitions
adj.
Kind, polite, and warmly courteous, especially toward those of lower rank.
亲切的，和蔼的；（尤指对地位较低者）有礼有度的。
interj.
Used to express mild surprise (Good gracious! Gracious me!).
（感叹）天哪，哎呀（Good gracious! Gracious me!）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedgrace (favor, goodwill) + -ious (full of) = 'full of grace/goodwill.' Originally said of a superior showing kindness to inferiors, it now means warmly courteous. The exclamation Gracious! is a softened relic of 'gracious God!'
Root grat still carries 14 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.gracious host热情周到的主人
- 2.gracious in defeat败而有度
- 3.gracious living优雅的生活
- 4.good gracious天哪（感叹）
Example Sentences
- 1.
She was a gracious host who made every guest feel welcome.
- 2.
He was gracious in defeat and congratulated his rival.
- 3.
Good gracious, I had no idea it was so late!