gratify

verb

grat·​i·​fy ˈgra-tə-ˌfī How to pronounce gratify (audio)
gratified; gratifying

transitive verb

1
: to be a source of or give pleasure or satisfaction to
it gratified him to have his wife wear jewelsWilla Cather
2
: to give in to : indulge, satisfy
gratify a whim
3
archaic : remunerate, reward

Did you know?

A gratifying experience is quietly pleasing or satisfying. But gratifying an impulse means giving in to it, which isn't always such a good idea, and "instant gratification" of every desire will result in a life based on junk food and worse. Truly gratifying experiences and accomplishments usually are the result of time and effort.

Examples of gratify in a Sentence

A guilty verdict would gratify the victim's relatives. He's only concerned with gratifying his own desires.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s why we were gratified to see intensely hydrating new products from the likes of Dior, Augustinus Bader, and Filorga. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024 And while the mountain is gratifying enough, Lake Placid is one of the northeast’s most cozy and charming ski towns. Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2024 In its short first-season run, the series succeeds in weaving a remarkable number of ideas together, the bad guys most deserving of comeuppance getting at least something in the ballpark of justice, but potential fans will still be gratified to know that a second season is officially on its way. Alexis Gunderson, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 We are gratified that the Court dismissed the vast majority of the claims and made clear that concerts at the Stadium are authorized under the relevant legal documents. Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gratify 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French gratifier, from Latin gratificari to show kindness to, from gratus + -ificari, passive of -ificare -ify

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of gratify was in 1539

Dictionary Entries Near gratify

Cite this Entry

“Gratify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratify. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gratify

verb
grat·​i·​fy ˈgrat-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce gratify (audio)
gratified; gratifying
1
: to give or be a source of pleasure or satisfaction to
2
: to grant a favor to : indulge
gratification
ˌgrat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gratify

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