Vocabulary in context
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Gratuitous
Unnecessary or unwarranted; done without good reason; also, provided or given free of charge.
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Imagine This
Picture a movie poster that screams 'Gratuitous Violence' with nonstop explosions that exist only to shock, not to advance the plot.
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Sounds Like
gruh-TOO-i-tuhs
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Looks Like
Related to gratis/free; shares the root with gratis and gratitude.
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Remember This
Gratuitous comes from Latin gratuitus meaning free or given freely; in modern usage it often means uncalled-for or excessive rather than simply free of charge.
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Other Forms
gratuitouslyadverb
gratuitousnessnoun
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Connect With
unnecessary, unwarranted, superfluous, needless, extraneous
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Note
Do not confuse with gratis (free of charge). In everyday usage, gratuitous almost always implies something unwarranted or excessive, especially in contexts like violence or commentary.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The film was criticized for its gratuitous violence.
- The hotel offered gratuitous services, such as complimentary breakfast and spa access.
Synonyms
unnecessaryunwarrantedsuperfluousexcessiveneedless
Antonyms
necessaryessentialjustifiedwarranted
Etymology
From Latin gratuitus 'free, given freely', from gratis 'free', related to gratus 'pleasing' and gratia 'grace, favor'.
Mnemonic
Think gratis (free) inside GRATUITOUS: something gratuitous is either free of charge or, more often, unnecessary. Imagine free samples handed out for no good reason—gratuitous indeed.
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Imitation
nounThe act or result of copying someone or something; a thing that imitates or resembles another.
Ethereal
adjectiveExtremely delicate, light, or heavenly; intangible and otherworldly in nature.
Embrace
verbTo hold someone closely in your arms as a sign of affection; to welcome, accept, or adopt something (such as an idea, change, or opportunity) with enthusiasm.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Superfluous
adjectiveExcessive; more than is needed or required
Extraneous
adjectiveNot related to the matter at hand; not essential; irrelevant or unnecessary.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
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