What does grace mean?
Grace describes several connected ideas: elegance of movement or manner, courteous goodwill, unmerited favor or mercy, and divine blessing. In ordinary use, “with grace” suggests poise and effortless control, while references to grace as kindness or favor often imply something given generously rather than necessarily earned. Religious expressions such as divine grace give the word a spiritual meaning involving favor, forgiveness, or guidance. Grace can also denote a short period of extra time or leniency. As a verb, to grace an occasion or person with one's presence is to honor or distinguish it. The word is common in both British and American English and carries generally favorable connotations, though its religious and formal uses may sound more serious than its everyday uses.
As a noun, grace means elegance or ease of movement, courteous goodwill, unmerited favor or mercy, or divine favor and blessing. It can also refer to a period of extra time or leniency.
"The host welcomed the guests with warmth and grace."
The word is often literary, formal, or positive in tone. Its religious sense is especially important in Christian vocabulary and theology.
As a verb, grace means to honor or distinguish someone or something by one's presence, attention, or contribution.
"The celebrated singer graced the festival with a brief performance."
The usual construction is “grace someone with something,” and the word often implies that the presence or contribution is especially valued.
The plural is less common than the singular and can be literary or archaic, referring to favors, acts of courtesy, or graceful qualities.
"The newly married couple sent their graces to their friends."
Grace comes from the same Latin root as “grateful” and “gratitude,” making gratitude and grace linguistic relatives as well as closely related concepts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of grace
The word comes through Old French grace from Latin gratia, meaning favor, goodwill, or blessing. Latin gratia is related to gratus, meaning pleasing or grateful, which also connects with words such as grateful, gratitude, gracious, and gratify. Over time, English extended the word from favor and divine blessing to the sense of elegant or graceful bearing.
Related word forms
How grace is actually used
As a noun, grace commonly has positive, sometimes elevated or literary associations, especially when describing elegance, charm, or kindness. In religious language it often refers to divine favor. As a verb, it is usually used in the pattern “grace someone with something” and means to honor them through their presence or contribution.
Easily confused with grace
A grate is a metal cooking surface or something that is shredded, whereas grace refers to elegance, favor, or courteous goodwill.
Grease is a fatty or oily substance, while grace is a quality of elegance, favor, or spiritual blessing.