gracious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gracious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is kind, courteous, and showing goodwill, often in response to a situation or gesture. Example: "She was gracious in accepting the award, thanking everyone who had supported her along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was always a confidence, borne out by her wonderful and gracious acceptance speeches and interviews.

The Guardian - Film

And another rightwinger, Stewart Jackson, praised "the gracious, well-judged address by the bishop of London".

The Guardian

Durkan said the SDLP had been at times 'too gracious' to other parties during the peace process, especially to Sinn Fein.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.29pm AnST12:29 An incredibly stoic and gracious performance from Gillard.

The Guardian

— Ben McCarthy (@intellectualben) January 26 , 2014Happy for Vance Joy, glad to have seen him perform #hottest100 #AustraliaDay pic.twitter.com/N3YlGe68ny Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 8.33pm AEST09:33 Vance Joy is in the studio and being gracious about denying Lorde the No 1 slot.

The Guardian

Today, the gracious palazzo and the nearby wild coastline of the Punta Licosa are all that remain of the Belmonte estates which once covered swathes of southern Italy and Spain and were famous for their olives and wine which made the family rich and powerful.

The Guardian - Travel

Lindy Hemming who designed the spectacular outfits for Mike Leigh's Topsy-Turvy made a gracious and brief speech of thanks that "our little film" had been honoured.

The Guardian

He was very gracious and babbled away while I remembered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As it is, this season's other dames include Dianne Thompson, who ran the National Lottery, an executive from Nestlé, for services to Kit Kats, and another actor, Kristin Scott Thomas, whose qualifications for eminence are unquestioned thanks to gracious performances in A Handful of Dust, Gosford Park and, imminently, in The Audience (as the Queen).

The Guardian - Opinion

He has been a tough opponent, and certainly I appreciate his gracious words tonight and I also want to congratulate those new Labor members".

The Guardian

Dorms £28pp B&B There's a gracious air at Whashton Springs Farm, just three miles from the lovely market town of Richmond in the northern dales.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's character, consider using "gracious" to highlight their ability to handle situations with poise and generosity.

Common error

Avoid using "gracious" solely to describe physical attractiveness; while elegance can be part of it, the primary meaning relates to kindness and courtesy in behavior, not just appearance.

Linguistic Context

The word "gracious" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of kindness, courtesy, or elegance. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammatical rules and is usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing acceptance speeches, addresses, and performances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Travel

10%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gracious" is a versatile adjective used to describe kindness, courtesy, and elegance. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news media and travel writing, reflecting its application in describing people, speeches, settings and actions. When using "gracious", focus on highlighting positive attributes related to behavior rather than mere physical appearance. Consider alternatives like "courteous" or "hospitable" for nuanced meanings. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, you can use "gracious" effectively to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courteous

Focuses primarily on politeness and respect in behavior.

benevolent

Emphasizes the aspect of kindness and goodwill.

charitable

Highlights generosity and willingness to help others.

hospitable

Specifically refers to being welcoming and friendly to guests or strangers.

amiable

Suggests a generally friendly and pleasant demeanor.

refined

Implies elegance, good taste, and sophistication in manner.

urbane

Highlights sophistication and courtesy, often associated with city life.

elegant

Focuses on beauty and style in appearance or manner.

considerate

Emphasizes thoughtfulness and awareness of others' feelings.

magnanimous

Highlights generosity and forgiveness, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful.

FAQs

How can I use "gracious" in a sentence?

You can use "gracious" to describe someone who is kind and courteous, as in, "She was "gracious in defeat"". It can also describe actions, like "a "gracious speech"".

What are some synonyms for "gracious"?

Alternatives to "gracious" include "courteous", "benevolent", or "hospitable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a building as "gracious"?

Yes, you can describe a building or space as "gracious" to indicate elegance, comfort, and hospitality, as in "a "gracious home"" or "a "gracious setting"".

What's the difference between "gracious" and "graceful"?

"Gracious" refers to kindness and courtesy in behavior, while "graceful" refers to elegance and fluidity in movement or form. Someone can be both "gracious and graceful", but they describe different qualities.