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GRATUITOUS

Pronunciation (US):

Dictionary entry overview: What does gratuitous mean?

• GRATUITOUS (adjective)
The adjective GRATUITOUS has 3 senses:

1. without cause
2. costing nothing
3. unnecessary and unwarranted

Familiarity information: GRATUITOUS used as an adjective is uncommon.

Dictionary entry details

• GRATUITOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

gratuitous ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Without cause

Context example:

a gratuitous insult

Similar:

unmerited (not merited or deserved)

Sense 2

gratuitous ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Costing nothing

Synonyms:

costless; gratis; complimentary; gratuitous; free

Context examples:

complimentary tickets / free admission

Similar:

unpaid (not paid)

Sense 3

gratuitous ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Unnecessary and unwarranted

Synonyms:

needless; uncalled-for; gratuitous

Context example:

a strikers' tent camp...was burned with needless loss of life

Similar:

unnecessary; unneeded (not necessary)

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