gracious Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit
    • gracious even to unexpected visitors
    • gracious living
    • he bears insult with gracious good humor
  2. adjective satellite characterized by kindness and warm courtesy especially of a king to his subjects
    benignant.
    • our benignant king
  3. adjective satellite exhibiting courtesy and politeness
    nice; courteous.
    • a nice gesture
  4. adjective satellite disposed to bestow favors
    • thanks to the gracious gods

WordNet

Gra"cious adjective
Etymology
F. gracieux, L. gratiosus. See Grace.
Definitions
  1. Abounding in grace or mercy; manifesting love,. or bestowing mercy; characterized by grace; beneficent; merciful; disposed to show kindness or favor; condescending; as, his most gracious majesty.
    A god ready to pardon, gracious and merciful. Neh. ix. 17.
    So hallowed and so gracious in the time. Shak.
  2. Abounding in beauty, loveliness, or amiability; graceful; excellent.
    Since the birth of Cain, the first male child, . . . There was not such a gracious creature born. Shak.
  3. Produced by divine grace; influenced or controlled by the divine influence; as, gracious affections. Syn. -- Favorable; kind; benevolent; friendly; beneficent; benignant; merciful.

Webster 1913