Gratification
/ˌɡrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/noun
The act of pleasing someone or the state of being pleased; satisfaction.
Did you know?Gratification comes from the same Latin root as grace and gratis, so the word’s ancient core is tied to favor, blessing, and unearned goodwill rather than mere pleasure.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷerH-
“to praise or welcome”
Latin
Latin
grātus
“pleasing, welcome, grateful”
Late Latin
Latin
grātificāre
“to oblige, do a favor for, make agreeable”
Late Latin
Latin
grātificātiō
“a pleasing or obliging action”
Middle French
Old French
gratification
“a favor, reward, or act of pleasing”
Modern English
English
gratification
“the act of pleasing or satisfying; pleasure received from something”
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