gratitude
- A warm feeling of thankfulness toward someone who has helped or benefited you.
In a sentence
- She expressed her gratitude by writing a heartfelt letter to her mentor.
- His gratitude for the rescue team's efforts was evident in every word he spoke.
Usage note. Use 'gratitude' as an uncountable noun; avoid saying 'a gratitude' — say 'a sense of gratitude' or 'deep gratitude' instead.
Where it comes from
English gratitude — “warm thankful feeling” · entered English 15th c.
From Medieval Latin 'gratitudo', meaning 'thankfulness', derived from Latin 'gratus' meaning 'pleasing' or 'thankful'. The word entered English in the 15th century via French influence. Latin 'gratus' is also the root of 'grace' and 'grateful' (source: Oxford, Etymonline).