grace

Word Origin & History

late 12c., "God's favor or help," from Old French grace "pardon, divine grace, mercy; favor, thanks; elegance, virtue" (12c.), from Latin gratia "favor, esteem, regard; pleasing quality, good will, gratitude" (source of Italian grazia, Spanish gracia), from gratus "pleasing, agreeable," from PIE root *gwere- "to favor" (cf. Sanskrit grnati "sings, praises, announces," Lithuanian giriu "to praise, celebrate," Avestan gar- "to praise").

Sense of "virtue" is early 14c., that of "beauty of form or movement, pleasing quality" is mid-14c. In classical sense, "one of the three sister goddesses (Latin Gratiæ, Greek Kharites), bestowers of beauty and charm," it is first recorded in English 1579 in Spenser. The short prayer that is said before or after a meal (early 13c.; until 16c. usually graces) has a sense of "gratitude."

Example Sentences forgrace

Philothea's tall figure was a lovely union of majesty and grace.

“Seventeen, an it please your grace,” said Stephen, in the gruff voice of his age.

Grace and a miracle had made the startling fact palpable and evident.

Grace led the way and the trio ascended to the second story.

"I'm going to put you in this room for the present, Miss Reynolds," said Grace.

"The bathroom is at the end of the hall," said Grace gently.

A look of surprise, mingled with consternation, sprang into Grace's eyes.

"I wish I had your faith in people, Grace," said Emma sincerely.

Grace sprang from her chair and began slipping into her wraps.

"I hope she's at home," was Grace's anxious thought as she rang the bell.

grace

inviolability

kindliness

kindness

lenience

lenity

lightness

lustration

magnificence

grace

More words related to grace