gracious

gra|cious [ˈgreıʃəs] adj

1.) behaving in a polite, kind, and generous way, especially to people of a lower rank

▪ Sibyl was the most gracious, helpful, and generous person to work with.

▪ a gracious apology

2.) having the kind of expensive style, comfort, and beauty that only rich people can afford

▪ a gracious manor house

▪ a magazine about gracious living

3.) gracious (me)!/good gracious!/goodness gracious!

old-fashioned used to express surprise or to emphasize 'yes' or 'no'

▪ Good gracious! What on earth has happened to your feet?

▪ 'Did you ever go back?' 'Good gracious, no.'

4.) a gracious act by or gift from God is kind and forgiving

5.) [only before noun]

used as a polite way of describing a royal person

▪ our gracious Queen

>graciously adv

>graciousness n [U]