gratify

[ grat-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, grat·i·fied, grat·i·fy·ing.

1. to give pleasure to (a person or persons) by satisfying desires or humoring inclinations or feelings:

   Her praise will gratify all who worked so hard to earn it.

   Synonyms: gladden, delight, please

2. to satisfy; indulge; humor, as one's desires or appetites.
3. Obsolete. to reward; remunerate.

gratify

/ ˈɡrætɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to satisfy or please
2. to yield to or indulge (a desire, whim, etc)
3. obsolete.
   to reward

Derived Forms

• ˈgratiˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• grati·fia·ble adjective
• grat·i·fi·ed·ly [grat, -, uh, -fahy-id-lee, -fahyd-], adverb
• grati·fier noun
• over·grati·fy verb (used with object) overgratified overgratifying
• pre·grati·fy verb (used with object) pregratified pregratifying
• super·grati·fy verb (used with object) supergratified supergratifying
• un·grati·fia·ble adjective
• un·grati·fied adjective
• well-grati·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratify¹

1350–1400; Middle English gratifien < Latin grātificāre, equivalent to grāt ( us ) pleasing + -i- -i- + -ficāre -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratify¹

C16: from Latin grātificārī to do a favour to, from grātus grateful + facere to make

Synonym Study

See humor.

Example Sentences

“It’s really gratifying now to meet alienated teenagers who tell you that you broadened the context of what they can do,” Bunton added.

From New York Times

We are gratified that readers are finding our graphic novel poignant and entertaining, but it is also a roadmap on how everyday people can work to restore and improve our democracy.

From Salon

“We are gratified that the Court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West volleyball tournament this week.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mostly, she’s gratified to be part of something that has a real message at its core.

From Los Angeles Times

Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein said the city council is “deeply gratified” that the former residents of Section 14 have agreed to accept the settlement offer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• delight
• enchant
• please
• thrill