Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state of being pleased or satisfied: "Gratification" refers to the feeling of pleasure or contentment one experiences when a desire or need is fulfilled.
   • The act of pleasing or satisfying: It can also refer to the action of giving someone this feeling of pleasure or satisfaction.

Usage

• As a feeling of satisfaction: Used to describe the personal, often emotional, state resulting from achieving something or having a wish come true.
• As the source of satisfaction: Can refer to the thing that provides the pleasure.
• Formal and psychological contexts: Commonly used in formal writing and in psychology to discuss the fulfillment of impulses or desires.

Examples

• (The feeling of satisfaction from helping others is very strong.)
• (He looked for the immediate satisfaction of his strong desires.)
• (To my great satisfaction, the project was a success.)
• (The ability to postpone satisfaction is an important skill for long-term success.)

Advanced Usage

• "Self-gratification": The act of satisfying one's own desires, often used with a negative connotation implying selfishness or lack of restraint.
  • He pursued a life of instant self-gratification without considering the consequences.
• In psychology: A key concept in theories of motivation and development, such as Freud's pleasure principle or the study of impulse control.
  • The child must learn to balance the id's demand for immediate gratification with the realities of the external world.

Variants and Related Words

• Gratify (verb): To please or satisfy.
  • It gratifies me to see you so happy.
• Gratifying (adjective): Giving pleasure or satisfaction.
  • Finding the solution was a gratifying experience.
• Gratified (adjective): Feeling pleased and satisfied.
  • She felt gratified by the recognition of her hard work.

Synonyms

• Satisfaction: Fulfillment of one's wishes, expectations, or needs.
• Fulfillment: The achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.
• Pleasure: A feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment.
• Contentment: A state of happiness and satisfaction.

Antonyms

• Frustration: The feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something.
• Disappointment: Sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.
• Dissatisfaction: Lack of satisfaction.

Idioms and Phrases

• Instant gratification: The desire to experience pleasure or fulfillment without delay or deferment.
  • The modern culture of instant gratification is fueled by digital technology.
• Delayed gratification: The ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later, often greater, reward.
  • Saving money requires the discipline of delayed gratification.

Noun

1. the act or an instance of satisfying
2. state of being gratified or satisfied
   • dull repetitious work gives no gratification
   • to my immense gratification he arrived on time