Gratis
adj.kind, joyfulformal
What it means
Provided without payment or charge.
Reach for it when describing a good or service supplied without payment
The museum offers gratis admission to local students on Fridays.
Choose between these
6- playful
on the house
a venue informally treats the customer to an item
not when Reserve on the house for casual hospitality; formal terms need zero-price wording.
- everyday
plain language should state that no payment is required
not when Free can mean unrestricted rather than zero-price and may need clarification.
- everyday
free of charge
zero price must be unmistakable
not when The phrase addresses price only and says nothing about eligibility or conditions.
- professional
complimentary
a business provides something without a separate charge
not when Complimentary can also mean praising, and the cost may be bundled elsewhere.
- professional
pro bono
professional services are donated for public benefit
not when Pro bono applies to skilled service, not ordinary free products or promotions.
- formal
cost-free
no direct financial cost is the supported claim
not when Cost-free can hide time, data, obligations, or costs paid by someone else.
Said against
3- paid
- chargeable
- costly
It naturally appears in
3- provided gratis
Translation was provided gratis for every participant.
- offer gratis
The clinic will offer the first workshop gratis.
- available gratis
Printed guides are available gratis at the information desk.
Usage notes
Gratis states price, not the absence of conditions, data collection, or indirect costs.