Grace

/greis/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:

    • Elegance and beauty of movement or form: A pleasing quality of smoothness, control, and attractiveness in physical actions or appearance.
    • Courteous goodwill; polite and considerate behavior: A disposition to be kind, compassionate, and fair, especially towards someone less powerful.
    • (In Christian theology) The free and unmerited favor of God: Divine assistance, love, and mercy given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification.
    • A period officially allowed for the completion of a task or payment: An extension granted beyond a set deadline.
    • A short prayer of thanks said before or after a meal.
    • (plural: Graces) In Greek mythology, three goddesses who were the givers of beauty and charm.
  2. Verb:

    • To honor or dignify by one's presence or action: To confer honor or prestige upon an event or place.
    • To add beauty or elegance to; to adorn: To make something more attractive or pleasing.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:

    • She moved across the stage with effortless grace. (Elegance of movement)
    • He accepted his defeat with good grace. (Courteous goodwill)
    • They believe they are saved by God's grace. (Divine favor)
    • The bank gave us a two-week grace period to make the payment. (Extension of time)
    • We said grace before starting our dinner. (Prayer before a meal)
  • Verb:

    • The queen graced the ceremony with her presence. (Honored by presence)
    • Beautiful paintings graced the walls of the old mansion. (Adorned)
Advanced Usage
  • "To be in someone's good graces": To be favored or approved of by someone.

    • He worked hard to stay in his boss's good graces.
  • "With good/bad grace": Willingly and pleasantly / Unwillingly and resentfully.

    • She accepted the criticism with good grace.
    • He apologized, but with very bad grace.
  • "A saving grace": A redeeming quality that compensates for faults.

    • The hotel was noisy, but its friendly staff was a saving grace.
  • "To fall from grace": To lose favor, status, or moral standing.

    • The politician fell from grace after the scandal.
Variants and Related Words
  • Graceful (adj): Having or showing grace or elegance.
    • The dancer was very graceful.
  • Graceless (adj): Lacking grace, elegance, or courtesy.
    • It was a graceless performance.
  • Gracious (adj): Courteous, kind, and pleasant, especially to those of lower status; marked by luxury, comfort, or elegance.
    • She was a gracious hostess.
    • They lived in gracious surroundings.
Synonyms
  • Elegance: Refined grace and stylishness.
  • Poise: Graceful and elegant bearing.
  • Favor: Approval, support, or kindness.
  • Mercy: Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone.
Related Phrases and Phrasal Verbs
  • Grace with: To honor or adorn something with a particular quality or presence.
    • The exhibition was graced with several rare artifacts.
Related Idioms
  • "There but for the grace of God go I": An expression of humility acknowledging that one's good fortune is not due to one's own merits, and that others' misfortune could easily be one's own.

    • Seeing the homeless man, she thought, "There but for the grace of God go I."
  • "To have the grace to do something": To have the good manners or decency to do something.

    • He didn't win, but he had the grace to congratulate the champion.
Noun
  1. (Christian theology) the free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God
    • God's grace is manifested in the salvation of sinners
    • there but for the grace of God go I
  2. a short prayer of thanks before a meal
    • their youngest son said grace
  3. (Greek mythology) one of three sisters who were the givers of beauty and charm; a favorite subject for sculptors
  4. a disposition to kindness and compassion
    • the victor's grace in treating the vanquished
  5. a sense of propriety and consideration for others
    • a place where the company of others must be accepted with good grace
  6. elegance and beauty of movement or expression
    • a beautiful figure which she used in subtle movements of unparalleled grace
  7. (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
    • the conception of grace developed alongside the conception of sin
    • it was debated whether saving grace could be obtained outside the membership of the church
    • the Virgin lived in a state of grace
Verb
  1. be beautiful to look at
    • Flowers adorned the tables everywhere
  2. make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
    • Decorate the room for the party
    • beautify yourself for the special day