grace

¹grace

noun \ˈgrās\

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

Examples of GRACE

1. She walked across the stage with effortless grace.
2. She handles her problems with grace and dignity.
3. He has shown remarkable grace during this crisis.
4. She is quite lovable despite her lack of social graces.
5. Let us give thanks for God's grace.
6. By the grace of God, no one was seriously hurt.
7. She tried to live her life in God's grace.

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

Related to GRACE

Synonyms: benevolence, boon, courtesy, favor, indulgence, kindness, mercy, service, turn

Antonyms: gracelessness, inelegance

Related Words: dispensation, waiver; advantage, benefit, blessing, godsend, manna; liberty, license (or licence), privilege

Near Antonyms: hindrance, hurdle, impediment, interference, obstacle

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at mercy

Other Christian Religious Terms

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

Rhymes with GRACE

ace, base, bass, brace, case, chase, dace, face, lace, mace, Mace, Naas, pace, place, plaice, prase, race, res, space, Thrace, trace, vase, Wace