What is grateful? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of grateful

gratefuladjective

/ˈɡreɪtf(ʊ)l/
Definition & pronunciation of grateful

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "grateful" in English. It's a common stumbling block for learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Syllables:

  • gra - like the beginning of "grab"
  • -teful - this is the tricky part!

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • gra: Pronounced like "gra" in "grape." Keep it short and sharp.
  • -teful: This is where many people struggle. It’s NOT like “teefull” (as if you have teeth full of tea). Here's how to do it:
    • "t" sound: Say a clear "t" sound.
    • "ee" sound: Immediately after the "t," say the "ee" sound, as in "see." (Like the vowel sound in "meet" or "bee")
    • "ful" sound: Finally, add the "ful" sound, which is like “full” but shorter and more clipped. It’s a very quick, almost silent “l” sound at the end.

3. Combining it all:

Put it together: GRAH-teef-ful

4. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: "GRAH."
  • Don't over-emphasize the “ful”: It’s a very subtle sound. It’s not a drawn-out “ful.”
  • Listen to native speakers: This is crucial. The best way to get the rhythm and flow right is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "grateful" in and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/grateful/ – This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce grateful" on YouTube – you'll find many videos.

To help me tailor my explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a complete beginner, or do you have some familiarity with English pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word grateful in English

Let's break down how to use the word "grateful" effectively in English. It's a wonderfully versatile word, but it needs to be used correctly to convey its full meaning.

1. Core Meaning: Feeling Thankful

At its heart, "grateful" means feeling thankfulness or appreciation for something someone has done for you or for something good that has happened. It’s more than just saying "thank you"; it's a deeper feeling.

2. Basic Sentence Structure

  • "I am grateful for..." – This is the most common and straightforward way to use it.

    • Example: "I am grateful for your help with the project."
    • Example: "I'm grateful for the beautiful weather today."

  • "Thank you for being grateful." (Less common, slightly formal) - This is used to acknowledge someone's feeling of gratitude.

    • Example: "Thank you for being grateful for our support."

3. Ways to Expand on Your Gratitude

  • Expressing Specifics: Don’t just say “grateful.” Explain what you’re grateful for.

    • Example: “I am incredibly grateful for the kindness you showed me when I was feeling down.”
    • Example: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures.”

  • Adding Emotion: Show the depth of your feeling.

    • Example: "I am profoundly grateful for your support during a difficult time.” (Profound = deep)
    • Example: “I’m so grateful – it really means a lot to me.”

  • Using "so" for emphasis: Using "so" often intensifies the feeling.

    • Example: “I’m so grateful for your friendship.”

  • Expressing Gratitude to a Group:

    • Example: “We are grateful to everyone who volunteered at the event.”
    • Example: “The team is grateful for the client’s feedback.”

4. Different Forms of the Word

  • Grateful: The basic adjective (describing a person or thing).
  • Gratefully: An adverb (describing how you’re expressing gratitude). Example: "I thanked him gratefully."
  • Gratitude: A noun (the feeling itself). Example: "She has a deep sense of gratitude."

5. Common Phrases Using "Grateful"

  • "I’m truly grateful."
  • "I'm deeply grateful."
  • "I’m very grateful."
  • “I’m grateful to you.” (Referring to someone who has helped you)
  • “I’m grateful for the chance.” (Referring to an opportunity)

6. Context and Tone

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Grateful" is generally appropriate in most situations. However, for very casual conversations, “thankful” is sometimes used interchangeably.
  • Sincerity is Key: The most important thing is to be genuine when expressing gratitude. People can tell if you’re just saying the words without truly feeling them.

Example Scenarios:

  • Someone buys you a gift: "I’m so grateful for your thoughtful gift! It was exactly what I wanted."
  • A friend helps you move: “I'm incredibly grateful for your help today. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
  • You receive positive feedback on your work: "I'm grateful for the positive feedback on my report. It’s really motivating."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of situation are you thinking about where you'd like to use the word "grateful"? (e.g., writing an email, speaking to a friend, etc.)

Synonyms for the word grateful

Practice with vocabulary grateful

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the successful negotiation, the entire team felt incredibly ________ for their leader's strategic guidance.
  2. The management was very ________ of the innovative solutions proposed during the brainstorming session.
  3. I would be extremely ________ if you could provide the updated project timeline by the end of the day.
  4. Having received a substantial grant, the research institution felt ________ to publish its findings promptly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes the emotion of profound thankfulness and appreciation for a kindness received? A) Obliged B) Grateful C) Indifferent D) Complacent E) Discontent

  2. Which of the following qualities demonstrates a person's willingness to help others without expecting anything in return? A) Altruistic B) Self-serving C) Benevolent D) Malicious E) Egocentric

  3. Upon receiving a significant award for their contributions, a professional might express their feelings by saying, "I am truly ________ for this recognition and the support from my colleagues." A) Grateful B) Indifferent C) Appreciative D) Entitled E) Thankful

  4. If someone offers invaluable assistance during a challenging work project, you might tell them, "I'm extremely ________ for your invaluable assistance." A) Obligated B) Grateful C) Indebted D) Dismissive E) Thankful

  5. Which term(s) describe a responsibility that is required or expected as part of a professional role or agreement? A) Optional B) Mandatory C) Voluntary D) Obligatory E) Discretionary

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. I am very appreciative of your detailed feedback on my presentation. Rewrite using "grateful" or a related word form:

  2. The CEO expressed his thanks to the project team for their hard work and dedication. Rewrite using "grateful" or a related word form:

  3. Paying careful attention to all the small details is important for ensuring quality control in manufacturing. Rewrite without using "grateful" or any related word form:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. grateful
  2. appreciative
  3. grateful
  4. indebted

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Grateful
  2. A) Altruistic, C) Benevolent
  3. A) Grateful, C) Appreciative, E) Thankful
  4. B) Grateful, C) Indebted, E) Thankful
  5. B) Mandatory, D) Obligatory

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. I am truly grateful for your detailed feedback on my presentation.
  2. The CEO conveyed his sincere gratitude to the project team for their hard work and dedication.
  3. Being meticulous about all the small details is crucial for ensuring quality control in manufacturing.

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