Definition of GRACE

grace

Meanings

Plural: graces

Noun

  • (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
    • "the conception of grace developed alongside the conception of sin"
    • "it was debated whether saving grace could be obtained outside the membership of the church"
    • "the Virgin lived in a state of grace"
  • elegance and beauty of movement or expression
    • "a beautiful figure which she used in subtle movements of unparalleled grace"
  • a sense of propriety and consideration for others
    • "a place where the company of others must be accepted with good grace"
  • a disposition to kindness and compassion
    • "the victor's grace in treating the vanquished"
  • (Greek mythology) one of three sisters who were the givers of beauty and charm; a favorite subject for sculptors
  • a short prayer of thanks before a meal
    • "their youngest son said grace"
  • (Christian theology) the free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God
    • "God's grace is manifested in the salvation of sinners"
    • "there but for the grace of God go I"
  • Charming, pleasing qualities.
  • A short prayer of thanks before or after a meal.
  • In the games of patience or solitaire: a special move that is normally against the rules.
  • A grace note.
  • Elegant movement; elegance of movement; balance or poise.
  • An allowance of time granted to a debtor during which he or she is free of at least part of his normal obligations towards the creditor.
  • Free and undeserved favour, especially of God; unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification, or for resisting sin.
  • An act or decree of the governing body of an English university.

Verb

  • make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
  • be beautiful to look at
  • To adorn; to decorate; to embellish and dignify.
  • To dignify or raise by an act of favour; to honour.
  • To supply with heavenly grace.
  • To add grace notes, cadenzas, etc., to.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English grace, from Old French grace (modern French grâce), from Latin grātia (“kindness, favour, esteem”), from grātus (“pleasing”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʷerH- (“to praise, welcome”); compare grateful.
The word displaced the native Middle English held, hield (“grace”) (from Old English held, hyld (“grace”)), Middle English este (“grace, favour, pleasure”) (from Old English ēst (“grace, kindness, favour”)), Middle English athmede(n) (“grace”) (from Old English ēadmēdu (“grace”)), Middle English are, ore (“grace, mercy, honour”) (from Old English ār (“honour, grace, kindness, mercy”)).

Synonyms

adorn, beautify, blessing, deck, decorate, embellish, free grace, good will, goodwill, grace of God, gracefulness, gracility, mense, ornament, saving grace, seemliness, state of grace, thanksgiving

Antonyms

unseemliness

Scrabble Score: 8

grace is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
grace is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
grace is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

grace is a valid Words With Friends word