English Explanatory Dictionary

gratuity

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An additional payment given freely as thanks for service.
  2. Euphemistic form of fee, in contexts where such additional payments have been made obligatory.
  3. Euphemistic form of bribe.

Pronunciation

/ɡɹəˈtjuːətɪ/ /ɡɹəˈtuːətɪ/ En-us-gratuity-noun.ogg LL-Q1860 (eng)-Wodencafe-gratuity.wav

Word forms

gratuity gratuities

Etymology

From Middle French gratuité (from Old French gratuite) or directly from Medieval Latin gratuitas (“a free gift”), from Latin gratuitus (“freely given, free”); see gratuitous.

Synonyms

douceur perquisite grace pourboire tip baksheesh cumshaw gift lagniappe service charge bribe

Related words

gratis gratuitous gratuitously

Derived words

autograt
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