1 (of people or behaviour) kind, polite and generous, especially to sb of a lower social position:
a gracious lady / hostess * a gracious smile * Lady Caroline was gracious enough to accept our invitation. * He has not yet learned how to be gracious in defeat.
2 [usuallybeforenoun] showing the comfort and easy way of life that wealth can bring:
gracious living
3 [onlybeforenoun] (BrE, formal) used as a very polite word for royal people or their actions:
her gracious Majesty the Queen * The performance will take place in the gracious presence of HRH the Prince of Wales.
4 ~ (to sb) (of God) showing kindness and MERCY:
a gracious act of God
5 (becoming old-fashioned) used for expressing surprise:
Goodness gracious! * 'I hope you didn't mind my phoning you.' 'Good gracious, no, of course not.'
graciously adverb:
She graciously accepted our invitation.
graciousness noun [U]:
His mother was graciousness itself during our stay. * The house retains its air of tranquillity and graciousness.
