Gratuitous
/ɡrəˈtjuː.ɪ.təs/noun
Given or done free of charge, or lacking justification and therefore unnecessary or unwelcome.
Did you know?In historical legal language, a gratuitous act was performed without “consideration”—meaning no payment or reciprocal obligation was required.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷerH-
“To welcome, favor, or value; the reconstructed root associated with Latin gratus.”
Classical Latin
Latin
gratus
“Pleasing, welcome, favored, or thankful.”
Classical Latin
Latin
gratis
“Freely, without payment; literally, by favor.”
Late Latin
Latin
gratuitus
“Free, voluntary, spontaneous, or given without compensation.”
16th Century
English
gratuitous
“Given freely or without charge.”
Modern English
English
gratuitous
“Free of charge, or unwarranted and unnecessary.”