gratitude
/ˈɡratɪtjuːd
/noun [mass noun]
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness: she expressed her gratitude to the committee for their support...
- As a return of gratitude, he is willing to share a large percentage of the sum with you.
- He realised his life since had been wasted on drugs and wanted to express gratitude to the police for having caught him.
- Ken would like to extend sincere gratitude to all who voted for him during the competition.
Synonyms
gratefulness, thankfulness, thanks, appreciation, recognition, acknowledgement, hat tip, credit, regard, respect;
sense of obligation, indebtedness
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus 'pleasing, thankful'.