[ˈɡreɪʃəs], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- courteous, kind, and pleasant, especially towards someone of lower social status
(e.g: a gracious hostess)

- (in Christian belief) showing divine grace
(e.g: I am saved by God's gracious intervention on my behalf)

- a polite epithet used of royalty or their acts
(e.g: the accession of Her present gracious Majesty)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English: via Old French from Latin gratiosus, from gratia ‘esteem, favour’ (see grace)

[ˈɡreɪʃəs], (Interjection)

Definitions:
- used to express polite surprise
(e.g: good gracious, that was close!)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English: via Old French from Latin gratiosus, from gratia ‘esteem, favour’ (see grace)