gratifying

[ grat-uh-fahy-ing ]

adjective

1. tending to gratify; giving or causing satisfaction; pleasing.

Other Words From

• grati·fying·ly adverb
• non·grati·fying adjective
• non·grati·fying·ly adverb
• un·grati·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratifying¹

First recorded in 1605–15; gratify + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Still, he said on “Twenty Thousand Hertz,” being the voice of AOL was immensely gratifying, as was being recognized for it over the years.

From Los Angeles Times

It can clearly be gratifying for a successful earner to achieve economic security, knowing or believing that it was the result of their ambition and work ethic.

From Salon

Running a family business is both extremely gratifying and at times challenging because you are never really off the clock as a family.

From Salon

Case in point: When we took my Seattleite granddaughter to Disneyland for her fourth birthday, her parents and I spent most of the time watching her reactions, which, I must admit, were pretty gratifying.

From Los Angeles Times

So in a way, it’s very gratifying to hear that this kind of language is permeating social media.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• delightful
• enjoyable
• pleasant
• pleasing

When To Use

What are other ways to say gratifying?

Something that is gratifying gives or causes satisfaction. But calling something gratifying isn’t exactly the same as calling it pleasing or interesting. Find out why on Thesaurus.com.