gratify

[grat-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

gratified, gratifying 

1. to give pleasure to (a person or persons) by satisfying desires or humoring inclinations or feelings.

   Her praise will gratify all who worked so hard to earn it.

   Synonyms: gladden, delight, please

2. to satisfy; indulge; humor, as one's desires or appetites.

3. Obsolete.,  to reward; remunerate.

gratify

/ ˈɡrætɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to satisfy or please

2. to yield to or indulge (a desire, whim, etc)

3. obsolete,  to reward

Other Word Forms

• gratifier noun
• gratifiable adjective
• gratifiedly adverb
• overgratify verb (used with object)
• pregratify verb (used with object)
• supergratify verb (used with object)
• ungratifiable adjective
• ungratified adjective
• well-gratified adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratify¹

1350–1400; Middle English gratifien < Latin grātificāre, equivalent to grāt ( us ) pleasing + -i- -i- + -ficāre -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratify¹

C16: from Latin grātificārī to do a favour to, from grātus grateful + facere to make

Synonym Study

See humor.

Example Sentences

It’s been gratifying that people have come back in the way they have, and we definitely feel their love for the show, but we had obstacles in terms of getting to that place, coming back.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, I’m learning how to pour that love, energy, and care directly into myself, which is so much more gratifying.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Malone said she was relieved and gratified to know officers were challenging "archaic beliefs and questioning the integrity of those responsible for administering policy and procedure".

From BBC

So the idea of doing something to push back against the president is quite invigorating and, no doubt, gratifying for Democratic partisans.

From Los Angeles Times

Olsen: The idea that being vulnerable is OK, and to show that to the world and have it pay off in this way, must be really gratifying.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• delight 
• enchant 
• please 
• thrill