Basic Details
Word: Gratuitous
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Done without any good reason and not needed, often about something unkind or unpleasant. It can also mean given free of charge.
Synonyms: unnecessary, unjustified, needless, uncalled-for
Antonyms: justified, necessary, warranted
How to Spell Gratuitous
Syllables: gra - tu - i - tous
Tricky part: The u and i sit together in the middle (tuit), and the ending is -tous. Students often add an extra i (gratuitious) or drop the i.
Watch out for: gratuitious, gratutous, gratuitus
Memory tip: Hidden in the middle is the word it: gratu-IT-ous. There was no need for IT at all.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The film was criticised for its gratuitous violence.
Example 2: His gratuitous remark about her shoes upset everyone.
Example 3: The coach told us not to make gratuitous fouls.
Fun Fact
A gratuity, the tip given to a waiter or a driver, comes from the same Latin word, gratuitus, meaning freely given.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of 'gratuitous' as it is used in the sentence:
The referee warned the player that his gratuitous push had nothing to do with winning the ball.
a) accidental
b) sudden
c) justified
d) unnecessary
Show answer
d) unnecessary. A gratuitous push is one with no good reason, so unnecessary is the match.
Word Cookie
Fill in the blanks with the correct letters:
gr_tu_t_us
a) a, i, u
b) a, i, o
c) e, i, o
d) a, e, o
Show answer
b) a, i, o. Gra, then tu-i, then -ous: a, i and o.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of that word:
1. ambigous 2. arbitary 3. perpetuel 4. gratuitous
a) having more than one possible meaning
b) never ending
c) based on chance or a whim, not on reason
d) done without good reason; uncalled for
Show answer
d) done without good reason; uncalled for. Arbitrary has an r after arbit, perpetual ends in -ual, and ambiguous has a u after the g.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of these is a gratuitous comment?
a) a correct answer to the question
b) a rude remark that serves no purpose
c) a helpful tip about the homework
d) a polite word of thanks to the cook
Show answer
b) a rude remark that serves no purpose
2. Which word is the opposite of 'gratuitous' in 'a gratuitous insult'?
a) justified
b) loud
c) needless
d) free
Show answer
a) justified
