First Known Use: 1656
Dictionary
gratuitous
adjective gra·tu·itous \grə-ˈtü-ə-təs, -ˈtyü-\
: not necessary or appropriate
Full Definition of GRATUITOUS
1
a : given unearned or without recompense b : not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration c : costing nothing : free
2
: not called for by the circumstances : unwarranted <gratuitous insolence> <a gratuitous assumption>
— gra·tu·itous·ly adverb
— gra·tu·itous·ness noun
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Origin of GRATUITOUS
Latin gratuitus, from gratus
Related to GRATUITOUS
- Synonyms
- complimentary, costless, gratis, free
Other Business Terms
Rhymes with GRATUITOUS
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