grace1 noungrace2 verb
gracegrace1 /ɡreɪs/ ●●○ noun 
WORD ORIGINgrace1
Origin:
1100-1200 Old French, Latin gratia ‘pleasing quality, kindness’, from gratus; ➔ GRATEFULEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Before we eat, I'd just like to say grace.
- I have a six-month grace period before I have to begin paying back my student loans.
- The princess always handled herself with grace and dignity.
- You are saved by grace alone, not by good works.
- A Presbyterian evangelist converted Sarah, but left her with more feelings of guilt than of grace.
- Certainly the grace and old-world tradition of nut trees are an asset to any garden.
- Jacques; he declined with grace.
- Now, as Pope fell from grace, McClellan came to the fore again.
- Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Longman Language Activatorthe only good feature of something
· I can't really play baseball. My one saving grace is that I can pitch.· I hate this house. Its only saving grace is that it's near the centre of town.
the one good quality that something or someone has that saves it from being completely bad, useless, or unacceptable: · The heroine of the novel is cruel and evil, with no redeeming features.· Coal is relatively expensive but its redeeming feature is that it is in plentiful supply.
something that stops someone or something from being completely bad something, often the only thing, that makes someone or something not completely bad: · Her only saving grace is her sense of humour.· None of the characters in her novels have any redeeming features.· The accommodation - dirty and freezing cold - had one redeeming feature. It was cheap.
a graceful appearance or way of moving · Kim had all the grace and charm of a young woman, though she was still only a girl.· Rudolph Nureyev's skill and gracefulness made him a legend in his own lifetime.
a graceful and attractive manner or appearance: · Francesca was impressed by the beautiful house and the elegance of the guests.
a calm and very graceful way of moving your body, or of standing or sitting: · Margerie was very beautiful, with the grace and poise of a movie star.· They felt that he lacked sufficient poise and confidence for the job.
to say a prayer to speak to God or to a god, either silently or aloud, especially to ask for help or to express thanks: · He got down on his knees and began to pray.pray to God/the gods/Allah etc: · In her time of distress she prayed to Allah to help her.pray for somebody (=pray because someone needs help): · We pray for the sick and for their families.pray for something (=pray that something will happen): · As their crops wilted, the people prayed for rain.pray (that): · Carly's parents are praying that the operation will succeed.
to pray, sing, or take part in a religious ceremony, in order to show love and respect for God or a god: · The whole family worshipped together at the chapel.· the people worshipping in the mosque· The Ancient Egyptians worshipped many gods.
words that you say when you are praying: prayer for: · Our prayers for peace have been answered.· a prayer for the deadsay a prayer: · She knelt to say a prayer of profound thankfulness.say your prayers (=say prayers, usually at a regular time): · We always used to say our prayers before going to bed.
a prayer thanking God for the food you are going to eat, said before a meal: say grace: · Before we eat, I'd just like to say grace.
formal if someone is at prayer , they are praying at this moment: · The saint appeared to him in a vision while he was at prayer.
WORD SETSabbess, nounabbey, nounabbot, nounabsolution, nounAdvent, nounalleluia, interjectionaltar boy, nounAnglican, nounAnglo-Catholic, nounapocalyptic, adjectiveapostle, nounapostolic, adjectivearchbishop, nounarchbishopric, nounarchdeacon, nounarchdiocese, nounArk of the Covenant, nounAsh Wednesday, nounAuthorized Version, banns, nounbaptism, nounBaptist, nounbaptize, verbbasilica, nounbeadle, nounbeatify, verbBenedictine, nounbenediction, nounbenefice, nounbiblical, adjectivebiretta, nounbishop, nounbishopric, nounblaspheme, verbblasphemy, nounbrother, nounbull, nounCalvinism, nounCalvinist, adjectivecanon, nouncanonical, adjectivecanonize, verbcanon law, nouncantor, nouncardinal, nouncardinal sin, nouncarol, nouncatechism, nouncathedral, nounCatholic, adjectivechantry, nounchapel, nounchaplain, nounchaplaincy, nounchapter, nounchapterhouse, nouncherub, nounChrist, nounchristen, verbChristendom, nounchristening, nounChristian, nounChristian, adjectivechurch, nounchurchgoer, nounchurchman, nounChurch of England, nounchurchwarden, nounchurchwoman, nounchurchyard, nounclergyman, nounclergywoman, nouncleric, nounclerical, adjectiveclerk, nouncloister, nouncollect, nouncommandment, nouncommunicant, nouncompline, nounconfess, verbconfession, nounconfessional, nounconfessor, nounconfirmation, nouncongregation, nounCongregationalism, nounconsecrate, verbcope, nouncreationist, nouncreche, nouncrib, nouncrosier, nouncrozier, nouncrucifix, nouncrucifixion, nouncrusade, nouncrusade, verbcrypt, nouncuracy, nouncurate, noundeacon, noundeaconess, noundean, noundeanery, noundiocese, noundisciple, noundisestablish, verbdispensation, noundog collar, nounDominican, nounEaster, nounecclesiastic, nounecclesiastical, adjectiveecumenical, adjectiveEden, nounelder, nounencyclical, nounEpiphany, nounepiscopal, adjectiveEpistle, nounevangelical, adjectiveevangelist, nounevangelize, verbevensong, nounexcommunicate, verbexegesis, nounfellowship, nounflagellant, nounflagellate, verbflock, nounfont, nounFr, friar, nounfrock, nounfundamentalist, noungargoyle, noungenuflect, verbgodfather, nounGod-fearing, adjectivegodless, adjectivegodly, adjectivegodmother, noungodparent, noungodson, nounGood Friday, noungrace, noungracious, adjectiveHail Mary, nounharvest festival, nounHigh Church, nounHigh Mass, nounHoly Communion, nounHoly Father, nounHoly Spirit, nounHoly Week, nounHoly Writ, nounhomily, nounhymn book, nounimprimatur, nounincarnation, nouninduct, verbindulgence, nouninquisitor, nouninterdenominational, adjectiveinterdict, nounJehovah, Jesuit, nounJesus, judgment day, nounlay, adjectivelay reader, nounlectern, nounlesson, nounlitany, nounLow Church, nounlychgate, nounMadonna, nounmanna, nounmanse, nounmatins, nounmeeting-house, nounmessianic, adjectiveMethodist, nounminister, nounministerial, adjectiveministry, nounminster, nounmiracle, nounmissal, nounmissionary, nounmitre, nounmoderator, nounMonsignor, nounMorning Prayer, nounmortal sin, nounMother of God, nounMother Superior, nounname day, nounNativity, nounNativity play, nounnave, nounNegro spiritual, nounNoah's ark, nounNonconformist, adjectivenuncio, nounoffertory, nounoratory, nounordination, nounoriginal sin, nounOur Father, nounOur Lady, Our Lord, padre, nounPalm Sunday, nounpapacy, nounpapal, adjectivepapist, nounparable, nounparish, nounparish church, nounparish clerk, nounparishioner, nounparochial, adjectiveparochial school, nounparson, nounparsonage, nounpassion play, nounpastor, nounpatriarch, nounpatron saint, nounpenance, nounpenitent, nounPentecost, nounPentecostal, adjectiveperdition, nounPlymouth Brethren, nounpontiff, nounpontifical, adjectivepontificate, nounPope, nounprayer book, nounpredestination, nounprelate, nounPresbyterian, nounpresbytery, nounpriest, nounPrimate, nounprior, nounprioress, nounpriory, nounPromised Land, the, Protestant, nounpsalm, nounpsalmist, nounpsalter, nounpulpit, nounQuaker, nounRC, rector, nounrectory, nounredeem, verbredemption, nounrequiem, nounRev, Revd, Reverend, nounReverend Mother, nounrevival, nounrevival meeting, nounRoman Catholic, adjectiverood screen, nounrosary, nounsacrament, nounsacristan, nounsacristy, nounsaint, nounsainted, adjectivesainthood, nounsaint's day, nounsalvation, nounsanctuary, nounSatan, nounsave, verbschism, nounscriptural, adjectivesecular, adjectivesee, nounseminary, nounseraph, nounsermon, nounsexton, nounShrove Tuesday, nounsister, nounsisterhood, nounSJ, special licence, nounsteeple, nounstigmata, nounstoup, nounSunday school, nounsurplice, nounsynod, nountabernacle, nountestify, verbtransubstantiation, nounTrappist, noununfrock, verbUnitarian, nounvenial, adjectivevespers, nounvestment, nounvestry, nounvicar, nounvicarage, nounvotive, adjectivevow, nounVulgate, the, nounWhitsun, nounwimple, nounXmas, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Max definitely lacked social graces. I got a few days’ grace to finish my essay. My father said grace. He died in a state of grace (=when God has forgiven you for the wrong things you have done).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
Max definitely lacked social graces. I got a few days’ grace to finish my essay. My father said grace. He died in a state of grace (=when God has forgiven you for the wrong things you have done). (=good and polite behaviour towards other people)· I had none of the social graces of my fellow pupils.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· It ended in the fare being paid with a very bad grace.· Holmes came with rather bad grace, but I was glad of his presence.· She stood patiently waiting until, with exceedingly bad grace, he got to his feet and followed her homewards.
· They would have said that their obsession was with divine grace.· The future holds unlimited possibilities for those who will accept divine guidance and grace.
· When he moved he had the supple, easy grace of a big cat.· At the centre of the picture, Angels Margarit moves with an easy grace.
· Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.· She was poised and full of grace, and he was rooting for her.
· They accept his habitual interruptions with good grace.· What did our long-suffering paragon of good grace do?· Sport only thrives if both parties play by the rules, and accept the results with good grace.· My wineglass was empty and she was bringing me a refill with unheard-of good grace.· He threw himself with good grace into everything, even this.· They all tried to get into his good graces, even writers who wrote for the bourgeois papers, even the Hebraists.· Admit temporary defeat with good grace, retreat, reconsider and wait.· Mayne was not at all happy about this, but he agreed with as good a grace as possible.
· I think he was my saving grace.· For if that departed order can be allowed any saving graces, it was in that area that they might be found.· It isn't all gloom because there are compensations and saving graces.· For Vestel, of course, those unsecured loans are a saving grace, preserving its assets from hungry creditors.· Sadly, they manage to combine all the worst qualities of the bedroom-band with none of the saving graces.· The saving grace for both developments is that they are creating jobs which are needed in the area.· Somewhere in the middle of this dilemma are the sunscreen manufacturers with their high protection sunscreens - skin's saving grace.· But there are also stories of the saving grace of innocence and the love of a violin.
· So Mrs Thatcher, demonstrating hitherto unsuspected social graces, decided to step into the breach herself.· She seemed like a princess to him, not just for her social graces but for her social standing and wealth.· Dona wanted to be alone and was bored with social graces.· We have a very high premium on courtesy, politeness, observing the social graces.· I have never found that my lack of social graces has been a hindrance.
NOUN· Government-backed loans would be repaid over 15 years, including an eight-year grace period.· Unfortunately, we may not have such a grace period.· The payment had originally been due on April 1 but the Toronto-based company had a grace period which expired on Thursday.· Is there a grace period for late payment?· Loan terms incorporate details on grace periods, repayment and prepayment.· But officials are hoping that the yearlong grace period tacked on last year will mean no last-minute crush this year.· Repayment was to be over 10 years, with a six-year grace period.· The term is used to describe grace periods that often go into effect when new geographic area codes are set up.
VERB· But if Mrs Longhill felt better that her servant had fallen from grace in distant Barnswick, then let her think it.· Even by Washington standards, Gingrich has quickly fallen from grace.· As she descended the stairs, she appreciated for the first time how far she had fallen from grace.· Now, as Pope fell from grace, McClellan came to the fore again.· A number of people associated with the excesses of the past have already fallen from grace.· But he fell from grace for the first time in 1985 when he was convicted of drink-driving at Weymouth, Dorset.· Daddy fell from grace, poor dear.· Isabel fell from grace, which is nothing new in our circles, let me tell you.
· But there was one saving grace.· Their only saving grace is that they probably were an impetus towards social reform.· Yet if the current scientific consensus is correct, it has to be, and that may be its saving grace.· There was one saving grace about sleeping in: traffic would be pretty light at this hour.· That was their saving grace, the only good thing about them.· There was a saving grace in all this for me: James.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► there but for the grace of God (go I)PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1way of moving [uncountable] a smooth way of moving that looks natural, relaxed, and attractive SYN gracefulness: - It is a manifestation of his grace, his gift to those who will receive it.
- It may rain again, Your Grace.
- Now, more than twenty years later, the Breton presbyter had lost none of his grace or his repose.
- As a politician there is nothing remarkable in him, nor has he any of the graces of the Orator.
- There were also in Olympus two bands of lovely sisters, the Muses and the Graces.
- social graces
- Admit temporary defeat with good grace, retreat, reconsider and wait.
- But he tucked his manuscript away with a good grace.
- He threw himself with good grace into everything, even this.
- Life is very crude, and bonnie Princes Street a dream, but we soldier on with a good grace.
- Mr Macmillan was, according to colleagues, prepared to give way with good grace when he could not carry the Cabinet.
- Sport only thrives if both parties play by the rules, and accept the results with good grace.
- They accept his habitual interruptions with good grace.
- This must have been irksome for them, but Mrs Webster accepted it as her war work with good grace.
- And its spectacular fall from grace should serve as a warning.
- As she descended the stairs, she appreciated for the first time how far she had fallen from grace.
- Daniel prefaces his interpretation with a review of Nebuchadnezzar's prideful fall from grace and Beishazzar's own lack of humility.
- He had an uncharacteristic fall from grace in his match against Connell.
- It was a spectacular fall from grace that took them all down-a major public humiliation.
- Now, as Pope fell from grace, McClellan came to the fore again.
- The competition was soon simplified with the fall from grace of William Craig.
- With the smallest fall from grace, it is quickly turned into badness.
- Jackson's fall from grace came in the fourth game, when he struck out three times in a row.
- And its spectacular fall from grace should serve as a warning.
- But if Mrs Longhill felt better that her servant had fallen from grace in distant Barnswick, then let her think it.
- Even by Washington standards, Gingrich has quickly fallen from grace.
- He had an uncharacteristic fall from grace in his match against Connell.
- Much of his hatred and contempt of Bella must have stemmed from her involvement in Johnny's fall from grace.
- Now, as Pope fell from grace, McClellan came to the fore again.
- That in itself was a sign that Norris' fall from grace had begun.
- The competition was soon simplified with the fall from grace of William Craig.
- I can't really play baseball. My one saving grace is that I can pitch.
- I hate this house. Its only saving grace is that it's near the centre of town.
- The movie's only saving grace was its dazzling special effects.
- His only saving grace is his undying belief in the melodramatic.
- I think he was my saving grace.
- That was their saving grace, the only good thing about them.
- The only saving grace was that the number Quinn had dictated down the line to Zack was still on the Kensington exchange.
- The only saving grace was that there were no injuries except my pride.
- Their only saving grace is that they probably were an impetus towards social reform.
- There was one saving grace about sleeping in: traffic would be pretty light at this hour.
- Yet if the current scientific consensus is correct, it has to be, and that may be its saving grace.
Lena moved with the grace of a dancer.2behaviour a)[uncountable] polite and pleasant behaviour: The hotel maintains traditional standards of elegance, style, and grace.have the grace to do something He didn’t even have the grace to apologize (=he was not polite enough to apologize). b)graces [plural] the skills needed to behave in a way that is considered polite and socially acceptable: Max definitely lacked social graces.3more time [uncountable] (also grace period American English) more time that is allowed to someone to finish a piece of work, pay a debt etca day’s/week’s etc grace I got a few days’ grace to finish my essay.4with (a) good/bad grace in a willing and pleasant way, or an unwilling and angry way: Kevin smiled and accepted his defeat with good grace. With typical bad grace, they refused to come to the party.5god’s kindness [uncountable] formal God’s kindness that is shown to people: We are saved by God’s grace.6there but for the grace of God (go I) used to say that you feel lucky not to be in the same bad situation as someone else7prayer [uncountable] a prayer thanking God, said before a meal: My father said grace.8soul [uncountable] the state of someone’s soul when it is free from evil, according to Christian belief: He died in a state of grace (=when God has forgiven you for the wrong things you have done).9Your/His etc Grace used as a title when talking to or about a duke, duchess, or archbishop10the Graces three beautiful Greek goddesses who often appear in art → airs and graces at air1(9), → fall from grace at fall1(17), → saving grace at save1(14)grace1 noungrace2 verb
gracegrace2 verb [transitive] 1grace something/somebody with your presence to bring honour to an occasion or group of people by coming to something – said humorously when someone comes late or does not often come to meetings etc: Ah, so you’ve decided to grace us with your presence!2 formal to make a place or an object look more attractive: His portrait graces the wall of the drawing room.