Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Gratuitous
1.
Given without an equivalent or recompense; conferred without valuable consideration; granted without pay, or without claim or merit; not required by justice.
We mistake the
gratuitous
blessings of Heaven for the fruits of our own industry. L’Estrange.
2.
Not called for by the circumstances; without reason, cause, or proof; adopted or asserted without any good ground;
– as, a
. gratuitous
assumptionGra-tu′i-tous-ly
, adv.
Gra-tu′i-tous-ness
, Noun.
Webster 1828 Edition
Gratuitous
GRATU'ITOUS
,Adj.
1.
Free; voluntary; not required by justice; granted without claim or merit. We mistake the gratuitous blessings of heaven for the fruits of our own industry.
2.
Asserted or taken without proof; as a gratuitous argument or affirmation.Definition 2024
gratuitous
gratuitous
English
Adjective
gratuitous (comparative more gratuitous, superlative most gratuitous)
- Given freely; unearned.
- Not called for by the circumstances; uncalled-for; without reason, cause, or proof; adopted or asserted without any good ground; unjustified.
- gratuitous violence
Synonyms
Antonyms
Derived terms
- gratuitousness
- gratuitous praise
- gratuitous violence
Related terms
Coordinate terms
Translations
given freely
not called for by the circumstances
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External links
- gratuitous in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- gratuitous in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911