Dictionary

1grace

noun \ˈgrās\

: a way of moving that is smooth and attractive and that is not stiff or awkward

: a controlled, polite, and pleasant way of behaving

graces : skills that are needed for behaving in a polite way in social situations

Full Definition of GRACE

1
a :  unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
b :  a virtue coming from God
c :  a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2
a :  approval, favor <stayed in his good graces>
b archaic :  mercy, pardon
c :  a special favor :  privilege <each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling>
d :  disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
e :  a temporary exemption :  reprieve
3
a :  a charming or attractive trait or characteristic
b :  a pleasing appearance or effect :  charm <all the grace of youth — John Buchan>
c :  ease and suppleness of movement or bearing
4
—used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop
5
:  a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks
6
plural capitalized :  three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty
7
:  a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura
8
a :  sense of propriety or right <had the grace not to run for elective office — Calvin Trillin>
b :  the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful
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Origin of GRACE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin gratia favor, charm, thanks, from gratus pleasing, grateful; akin to Sanskrit gṛṇāti he praises
First Known Use: 12th century

Synonym Discussion of GRACE

mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it <threw himself on the mercy of the court>. charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others <show a little charity for the less fortunate>. clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing <the judge refused to show clemency>. grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions <by the grace of God>. leniency implies lack of severity in punishing <criticized the courts for excessive leniency>.

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

2grace

verb

: to decorate or add beauty to (something)

gracedgrac·ing

Full Definition of GRACE

transitive verb
1
:  to confer dignity or honor on
2
:  adorn, embellish <graveled walks graced with statues — J. A. Michener>

First Known Use of GRACE

1585
GRACE Defined for Kids

1grace

noun \ˈgrās\

Definition of GRACE for Kids

1
:  a short prayer at a meal
2
:  beauty and ease of movement
3
:  pleasant, controlled, and polite behavior <social graces> <She handled the situation with grace.>
4
:  goodwill, favor <They were saved by the grace of God.>
5
:  the condition of being in favor <He tried to get in their good graces.>

2grace

verb
gracedgrac·ing

Definition of GRACE for Kids

1
:  to do credit to :  honor <Will you grace us with your presence?>
2
:  to make more attractive :  adorn <A fountain graces the garden.>
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