Definition

1. Adverb:

   • Without payment; free of charge: Used to indicate that something is given or done without requiring any payment.
   • As a complimentary service or item: Provided at no cost.

2. Adjective:

   • Costing nothing; free: Describing something that is provided without charge.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb:

  • The company provided technical support gratis for the first year.
  • She offered her legal advice gratis to the non-profit organization.

• Adjective:

  • The software was gratis for educational institutions.
  • They received gratis copies of the book from the publisher.

Advanced Usage

• "to be given gratis": to be provided completely free of charge.
  • All refreshments at the event were given gratis.
• "to work gratis": to perform labor or services without receiving payment.
  • The artist worked gratis on the community mural.

Variants and Related Words

• Gratuitous (adj): Given or done free of charge. (Note: More commonly means "uncalled for" or "unnecessary").
  • His gratuitous commentary was not appreciated.
• Gratuity (n): A tip given for a service, often voluntarily.
  • He left a generous gratuity for the excellent service.

Synonyms

• Free (adj/adv): Without cost or payment.
• Complimentary (adj): Given free, often as a courtesy or favor.
• For nothing (adv): Without charge (informal).
• On the house (adv): Provided free by the establishment (informal, often for food/drink).

Related Phrases

• Pro bono (adv/adj): Done without charge, especially professional work for the public good (from Latin ).
  • The lawyer took the case pro bono.

Notes on Usage

• The word gratis is often used in more formal or commercial contexts than the simpler word "free."
• It can function flexibly as both an adverb (modifying a verb) and an adjective (modifying a noun).
• It is derived from Latin, meaning "out of kindness" or "as a favor."

Adjective

1. costing nothing
   • complimentary tickets
   • free admission

Adverb

1. without payment
   • I'll give you this gratis