gratuitous Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective satellite without cause
- a gratuitous insult
adjective satellite costing nothing
costless; complimentary; gratis; free.
- complimentary tickets
- free admission
adjective satellite unnecessary and unwarranted
needless; uncalled-for.
- a strikers' tent camp...was burned with needless loss of life

L. gratuitus, from gratus pleasing. See Grate, a., Gratis.

Given without an equivalent or recompense; conferred without valuable consideration; granted without pay, or without claim or merit; not required by justice.
We mistake the gratuitous blessings of Heaven for the fruits of our own industry. L'Estrange.
Not called for by the circumstances; without reason, cause, or proof; adopted or asserted without any good ground; as, a gratuitous assumption.
Acts of gratuitous self-humiliation. De Quincye.
-- Gra*tu"i*tous*ly, adv. -- Gra*tu"i*tous*ness, n.