gratification

American  

[grat-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌgræt ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the state of being gratified; great satisfaction.

   Synonyms:

   comfort, enjoyment, delight, relish, pleasure

2. something that gratifies; source of pleasure or satisfaction.

3. the act of gratifying. gratifying.

4. Archaic. a reward, recompense, or gratuity.

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Other Word Forms

• nongratification noun
• overgratification noun
• pregratification noun
• supergratification noun

Etymology

Origin of gratification

First recorded in 1590–1600, gratification is from the Latin word grātificātiōn- (stem of grātificātiō ). See gratify, -ation

Example Sentences

We humans are visual creatures to the core with a strong desire for instant gratification.

From The Wall Street Journal

Saving lives is great, he says, but there’s a different gratification that comes from having an idea in your head and then seeing it come to life.

From The Wall Street Journal

But shipping costs have increased sharply—especially for home deliveries—and offering near-instant gratification for online orders is no longer a sound business strategy for many.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The sense of gratification I felt when we rallied around an agenda and got results made me feel like this is what I want," Thapa said of his start as a student activist.

From Barron's

They prefer instant gratification that extends beyond Mexico.

From Salon

Related Words

• enjoyment
• fulfillment
• joy
• luxury
• pleasure