gracious

Kind, polite, and friendly towards other people.

• She was a gracious host.
• He gave us a gracious welcome.
• It was gracious of her to thank everyone personally.

How to use it: gracious to someone (Our host was gracious to every guest.); gracious of someone to do something (It was gracious of you to invite us.)

Similar words: courteous, kind, welcoming

Opposites: rude

Common phrases: gracious host, gracious welcome

Careful to speak politely and avoid hurting someone’s feelings.

• He gave a gracious reply.
• She was gracious in defeat and praised the winner.
• His gracious words eased an awkward moment.

How to use it: gracious in something (She was gracious in her response to the criticism.)

Similar words: tactful, diplomatic, courteous

Opposites: tactless

Common phrases: gracious reply, gracious in defeat

Feeling sympathy for people who suffer and treating them with kindness.

• She had a gracious heart.
• They prayed to a gracious God for help.
• The queen was gracious to the suffering families.

How to use it: gracious to someone (The ruler was gracious to people in distress.)

Similar words: compassionate, merciful

Opposites: cruel

Common phrases: gracious heart, gracious help

Showing beauty, charm, or an easy, elegant way of moving or living.

• The house offered gracious living.
• Her gracious movements drew every eye.
• Wide rooms gave the home a gracious elegance.

Similar words: elegant, graceful, refined

Opposites: awkward

Common phrases: gracious living, gracious style

Generous to yourself when taking food, drink, or other things you enjoy.

• He was gracious to himself with the wine.
• At supper, she was gracious to herself and took the largest portion.
• Our guest was gracious to himself whenever the cake came round.

How to use it: gracious to oneself (He was gracious to himself when pouring the wine.)

Similar words: self-indulgent

Opposites: abstemious

Common phrases: gracious to oneself, gracious helping

Willing to forgive mistakes or allow someone more than they would normally be allowed.

• The ruler granted a gracious pardon.
• She was gracious about his repeated mistakes.
• Our gracious teacher allowed us another day to finish.

How to use it: gracious to someone (The judge was gracious to the young offender.)

Similar words: lenient, indulgent, forgiving

Opposites: strict

Common phrases: gracious pardon, gracious permission