Meaning of gratuitous in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ɡrəˈt(j)uədəs/

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    UK accent Play button

  1. Classifying Adjective

    gratuitous

    Definitions

    1. without cause

    Examples

    • « a gratuitous insult »

    Synonyms

  2. 2. costing nothing

    Examples

    • « complimentary tickets »

    Synonyms

  3. 3. unnecessary and unwarranted

    Examples

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

    Synonyms

Famous quotes

  • « I'm not for gratuitous nudity, but if there's humor, I don't have a problem. »
    Rebecca Romijn
  • « Sometimes nudity is gratuitous. We just live in a society where everything goes. »
    Judi Dench
  • « To want friendship is a great fault. Friendship ought to be a gratuitous joy, like the joys afforded by art or life. »
    Simone Weil

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