grace - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
grace Word Meanings
- elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action
- a favor or goodwill
- to do something courteously
grace Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
grace Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɡreɪs/
US
/ɡreɪs/
grace Word Etymology
Root: grace (from Latin 'gratia' meaning 'grace, favor'). Historical: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine a dancer gracefully moving across a stage, embodying elegance and beauty.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Start by lifting a cup and setting it down with care. You move your wrist and adjust your grip until the cup settles in a quiet balance. The feeling grows as a shift from effort to ease, a small grace that appears in how you hold, speak, or act. In everyday use, that sense of grace emerges when your choices fit the moment, keeping things steady and kind.
Real Context
Grace is a flexible word with several related senses. As a noun it can mean elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action; a favor or goodwill done toward someone; or a courteous, dignified quality in how you behave. As a verb, to grace something means to honor it by your presence or to bestow a blessing or advantage in a polite way. Common phrases include 'grace under pressure,' 'with grace,' and 'show grace to someone.' Its etymology traces back to Latin gratia, through Old French and into English. A vivid memory image is a dancer moving with effortless, deliberate grace.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Grace describes elegance in form, motion, or behavior.
- 2) It can also mean a favor or goodwill toward someone.
- 3) Use 'to grace' to indicate honoring someone with your presence.
- 4) Distinguish grace from graceful (adj) and graces (plural noun).
- 5) Note religious uses of grace as divine favor.
- 6) Practice common collocations like 'grace under pressure' and 'with grace'.
Common Misconceptions
- Grace is only a religious concept.
- Grace always means forgiveness.
- Grace and gracious are the same word in all contexts.
- People who are graceful are born perfect at it.
- Grace is unrelated to performance or style.
Thinking Differences
Grace in English spans elegance, kindness, and courteous behavior, with both secular and religious connotations; learners often fixate on forgiveness or assume 'graceful' and 'grace' are the same form.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three core senses: elegance, favor/goodwill, and courtesy behavior.
- Memorize key collocations: grace under pressure, with grace, grace someone with presence.
- Practice pronouncing /ɡreɪs/ and differentiate from 'graze' by context.
- Compare grace with similar words: graceful (adj), gracious (adj/noun).
- Note religious uses vs secular uses to avoid mismatch in formal essays.
- Read across genres (arts, sports, etiquette) to see varied contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'grace'?
A.Beauty
B.Elegance
C.Gracefulness
D.Kindness
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'grace' used correctly?
A.His gracefulness amazed everyone.
B.He graced his friend with a gift.
C.The cat gracefully climbed the tree.
D.She danced with grace at the party.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is an antonym of 'grace'?
A.Awkwardness
B.Clumsiness
C.Clumsy
D.Ungainliness
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context would you associate 'grace'?
A.Ballet performance
B.Car racing
C.Boxing match
D.Construction work
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example sentence using the word 'grace'?
A.They laughed together.
B.The dog barked loudly.
C.He drove the car quickly.
D.She handled the situation with grace.
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