ex gratia

[ eks grey-shee-uh ]

adjective

1. as a favor rather than as a matter of right:

   ex gratia payments made to nonstriking workers.

ex gratia

/ ˈɡreɪʃə /

adjective

1. given as a favour or gratuitously where no legal obligation exists

   an ex gratia payment

Word History and Origins

Origin of ex gratia¹

First recorded in 1760–70, ex gratia is from Latin ex gratiā “out of goodwill”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ex gratia¹

New Latin, literally: out of kindness

Example Sentences

Ravanchi said the Iranian Cabinet issued a directive on Jan. 5, 2021 “to pay the amount of $150,000 ex gratia to the heirs of each person who lost his/her life in the accident.”

From Seattle Times

The U.S. has vowed to make "ex gratia condolence payments" to the families of those killed in the strike.

From Salon

Kahl also reiterated Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s “commitment to the families, including offering ex gratia condolence payments,” the statement added.

From Washington Post

He said the U.S. was exploring the possibility of an ex gratia payment, but suggested it was difficult to reach people in Afghanistan now that American troops had left.

From Los Angeles Times

U.S. officials have said they are exploring whether the government will make “ex gratia” payments to compensate the victims’ families.

From Washington Post