gracious

Universal Words adjective 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.