How Do You Spell GRATUITOUS?

Pronunciation: [ɡɹatjˈuːɪtəs] (IPA)

Gratuitous is a seven-letter word that can be challenging to spell correctly. The word has four syllables and is pronounced as /ɡrəˈtuɪtəs/. The first syllable is spelled "gr," followed by a schwa in the second syllable. The third syllable contains two consecutive i's, which are pronounced as /aɪ/. Finally, the last syllable has a strong "tus" sound. The word gratuitous means "uncalled for" or "unmerited" and is often used to describe actions, behavior, or language that is unnecessary or excessive.

GRATUITOUS Meaning and Definition

  1. The adjective "gratuitous" refers to something that is done or given freely, without reason or justification. It denotes an action or speech that is unnecessary, unwarranted, or lacking a logical explanation, often serving no purpose other than to fulfill one's own desire or to provoke someone else. It implies a sense of excess or unnecessary indulgence that goes beyond what is expected or appropriate.

    In the context of behavior or communication, a gratuitous act may be considered excessive, superfluous, or even offensive. It typically involves an element of insensitivity or disregard for others, as it is done without any consideration for the impact or consequences it may have. This could manifest in gratuitous violence, where aggressive actions are performed without any provocation or cause.

    In terms of art, literature, or entertainment, a gratuitous element refers to something that is added solely for sensational purposes or shock value, without contributing to the overall narrative, theme, or purpose. For instance, a gratuitous sex scene in a movie serves only to titillate the audience and does not contribute significantly to the plot.

    In summary, "gratuitous" describes something that is unnecessary, done without reason, or lacking justification. It implies an element of excess, insensitivity, or unnecessary indulgence, often with disregard for the impact or consequences it may have.

  2. Free; not required by justice; without cause or provocation; assumed or taken without ground or proof.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for GRATUITOUS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for GRATUITOUS

Etymology of GRATUITOUS

The word "gratuitous" comes from the Latin word "gratuitus", which means "given without recompense" or "free". It is derived from the root word "gratus", meaning "pleasing" or "grateful". The term was first introduced into English in the 17th century.

Similar spelling words for GRATUITOUS

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