What is grace? Pronunciation and usage in English

grace means . Learn how to pronounce and use grace through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of grace

gracenoun

/ɡreɪs//ɡreɪs/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "grace" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends on where you're from!

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation (rhymes with "trace"):

  • ˈɡreɪs (stress is on the first syllable)
    • ɡ - like the "g" in "go"
    • r - as in "run"
    • æ - This is a short, open "a" sound like in "cat" or "trap." It’s a key difference from the British pronunciation.
    • s - as in "sun"

2. The British Pronunciation (rhymes with "face"):

  • ɡreɪs (stress is on the first syllable)
    • ɡ - like the "g" in "go"
    • r - as in "run"
    • æ - This is a short, open "a" sound like in "cat" or "trap."
    • s - as in "sun"

Here’s a helpful way to think about it:

  • American: Imagine you're saying "trace" quickly.
  • British: Imagine you're saying "face" quickly.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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  • Where are you located (generally)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word grace in English

Let's break down how to use the word "grace" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Grace as Elegance & Smoothness (Physical & Movement)

  • Definition: This is probably the most common understanding. It refers to a pleasingly smooth, fluid, and effortless quality in movement or appearance.
  • Usage Examples:
    • "She moved with such grace; it was like watching a dancer."
    • "The ballerina's performance was full of grace and precision."
    • "He adjusted his tie with a subtle grace."
    • "The vase was decorated with elegant grace."

2. Grace as Politeness & Good Manners

  • Definition: This refers to behaving politely, respectfully, and with consideration for others. It's about good manners and a pleasant demeanor.
  • Usage Examples:
    • "She handled the difficult situation with remarkable grace."
    • "He showed grace in admitting his mistake."
    • "They offered their condolences with heartfelt grace."
    • “Her grace and courtesy made her a pleasure to be around.”

3. Grace as Divine Favor or Blessing (Religious Context)

  • Definition: In Christian theology, "grace" refers to God's unearned favor, love, and forgiveness offered to humanity. It's the ability to be saved or to live a righteous life.
  • Usage Examples:
    • “We are saved by God’s grace.”
    • “She prayed for grace to overcome her addiction.”
    • "The church celebrated the grace of the Lord."

4. Grace as a Noun - A Blessing or Favor

  • Definition: It can simply refer to something pleasant or fortunate.
  • Usage Examples:
    • "It was a moment of pure grace." (meaning a fortunate or happy event)
    • "We felt grateful for the grace of their help."

5. Grace as a Verb - To Move with Elegance or Skill

  • Definition: To move with refined beauty and flexibility.
  • Usage Examples:
    • "She gracefully accepted the award."
    • "The cat gracefully leaped onto the counter."
    • “He graciously accepted the invitation.” (in this case, accepting with politeness)

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "grace" depends heavily on the surrounding words and the situation.
  • Positive connotation: "Grace" almost always has a positive meaning. It’s associated with virtue, beauty, and kindness.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you might also consider using words like: elegance, poise, fluency, refinement, courtesy, kindness, favor, blessing.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing a story, a formal speech, a casual conversation?)
  • Is there a specific sentence you're trying to use the word in?

Synonyms for the word grace

Practice with vocabulary grace

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. Even under intense scrutiny, the CEO maintained her composure and handled the difficult questions with impressive ______.
  2. The committee decided to grant him an additional week to submit his proposal, a gesture of ______ given the tight deadline.
  3. The renowned architect's designs were praised for their innovative structures and the ______ with which they blended into the urban landscape.
  4. Despite the technical glitches, the customer service representative displayed immense ______ and helped resolve the issue calmly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Select all appropriate answers for each question.

  1. Which of the following qualities best describes a person's refined and elegant movement or conduct? A) Awkwardness B) Poise C) Grace D) Clumsiness E) Fluidity

  2. In a professional context, what might be extended to a client or colleague out of goodwill or consideration? A) A strict deadline B) A grace period C) An ultimatum D) A waiver E) An extension

  3. Which characteristics are essential for maintaining respectful and composed interactions, especially during challenging discussions? A) Impulsiveness B) Diplomacy C) Grace D) Brusqueness E) Tact

  4. Which words denote the act of providing assistance or making things easier for someone? A) Obstruction B) Facilitation C) Hindrance D) Aid E) Impairment

  5. Which terms describe a person's observable attitude or way of carrying themselves, especially in public? A) Demeanor B) Frenzy C) Bearing D) Composure E) Disarray

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions provided.

  1. Original: Her natural elegance and poise made her stand out during the formal event. Rewrite using "grace": She stood out at the formal event because of her natural ______ and poise.

  2. Original: The manager was very kind and understanding about my late submission, which I really appreciated. Rewrite using a form of "grace": I really appreciated the manager's ______ in understanding my late submission.

  3. Original: Despite the pressure, the speaker maintained a calm and composed manner throughout the difficult Q&A session. Rewrite, without using "grace": Despite the pressure, the speaker maintained remarkable ______ throughout the difficult Q&A session.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. grace
  2. grace
  3. elegance
  4. patience

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Poise, C) Grace, E) Fluidity
  2. B) A grace period, D) A waiver, E) An extension
  3. B) Diplomacy, C) Grace, E) Tact
  4. B) Facilitation, D) Aid
  5. A) Demeanor, C) Bearing, D) Composure

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She stood out at the formal event because of her natural grace and poise.
  2. I really appreciated the manager's graciousness in understanding my late submission.
  3. Despite the pressure, the speaker maintained remarkable composure throughout the difficult Q&A session.

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