The quality or feeling of sincerely appreciating what has been received.
Reach for it when naming gratitude as an inner state, especially in reflective or personal writing
Her gratefulness appeared in the detailed note she wrote to the rescuers.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
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| professional | |
| formal |
playful
Fits when plain language is enough for the expression rather than the state
Careful Thanks names the response and is less suited to describing a lasting disposition.
everyday
Fits when the standard natural noun fits thanks or reflection
Careful Gratitude is more idiomatic, while gratefulness can emphasize an ongoing quality.
warm
Fits when personal thanks and relief deserve a familiar emotional word
Careful Thankfulness can carry religious associations that gratefulness need not have.
professional
Fits when recognition of value or effort is the key idea
Careful Appreciation need not arise from receiving help or kindness.
formal
indebtedness
Fits when the benefit creates a felt obligation to another person
Careful Indebtedness can be uncomfortable and transactional rather than warmly grateful.
formal
Fits when a contribution is explicitly noticed and credited
Careful Recognition may be public and procedural without inward gratitude.
deep gratefulness
Deep gratefulness stayed with him long after the crisis had passed.
sense of gratefulness
A sense of gratefulness shaped the reunion speech.
express gratefulness
Students can express gratefulness without pretending the year was easy.
Keep in mind
Gratitude is usually more idiomatic than gratefulness. The longer form is useful when the enduring quality itself is the focus.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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