B1adjective 2K

Grateful

UK //ˈɡreɪtfəl// US //ˈɡreɪtfəl// Pronunciation

Definition

Feeling or showing thanks for something received.

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In simple words: Feeling thankful for something

Examples

• I am grateful for all the help you provided.
• She felt grateful when she received the unexpected gift.
• We are grateful to everyone who supported our cause.
• He wrote a letter to express how grateful he was.
• They were grateful for the opportunity to travel again.

Usage notes

Use 'grateful' to express appreciation, often in a formal or semi-formal context. In informal speech, 'thankful' may be more common.

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Grammar pattern

be + grateful (to someone) + for (something)

Memory hint

Remember 'great' in 'grateful' means feeling good about what you have.

Collocations

• grateful for help
• grateful to someone
• grateful for the opportunity

Synonyms

• thankful
• appreciative
• obliged
• indebted

Antonyms

• ungrateful
• thankless

Common mistakes

• Using 'grateful' without 'to' or 'for', e.g., 'I am grateful you.'
• Confusing 'grateful' with 'gratitude', which is a noun.
• Mixing up 'grateful' with 'happy', which have different meanings.