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

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

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

She said her office worked quickly to reinstate Howard-Elley when the news organizations flagged the advisory and she is gratified that Howard-Elley will be able to vote.

From Salon

Is he that gratified by attestations of support for the first fifth of the Bill of Rights — though only in swing states and only until the election?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• delight
• enchant
• please
• thrill