Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sum of money given voluntarily, typically in return for a service: A "gratuity" is a relatively small amount of money given to someone, such as a waiter, taxi driver, or porter, in appreciation for their service, beyond any required payment.
   • A gift of money, especially one given formally upon retirement or discharge from service: In formal contexts, a "gratuity" can refer to a monetary award given to an employee upon retirement or to a soldier upon discharge, often as a recognition of long or meritorious service.

Usage

• The word "gratuity" is a formal term for what is more commonly called a "tip" in everyday contexts. It is used when discussing payments for services, employee benefits, or formal awards.
• It is typically a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• For service:
  • It is customary to leave a 15-20% gratuity for the waiter.
  • The hotel porter refused the gratuity, saying it was his pleasure to help.
• As a formal award:
  • Upon his retirement after 40 years, he received a substantial gratuity from the company.
  • Military personnel are often entitled to a gratuity upon honorable discharge.

Advanced Usage

• "Discretionary gratuity": A tip that is given at the customer's discretion, not automatically added to the bill.
  • The restaurant's policy is that all gratuities are discretionary.
• "Gratuity included": A phrase indicating that a service charge has already been added to the total bill.
  • Please note that a 10% gratuity is included for parties of six or more.

Variants and Related Words

• Tip (n, v): The most common, informal synonym for a service gratuity.
  • She left a generous tip on the table.
• Bonus (n): An extra payment, often related to job performance or company profits, not specifically for service.
  • Employees received a year-end bonus.
• Perquisite (Perk) (n): A benefit, monetary or otherwise, incidental to one's employment.
  • A company car is a nice perquisite.

Synonyms

• Tip: Money given for a service.
• Baksheesh: (Used in some regions) A tip, gift, or bribe.
• Pourboire: (French origin) Money for drinks; a tip.

Related Phrases

• To give/leave a gratuity: The act of providing a tip.
  • We always give a gratuity to the tour guide.
• Gratuity-free: Not requiring or involving a tip.
  • The all-inclusive resort is gratuity-free.

Related Idioms

• "On the house": Something provided free of charge by the establishment. This is different from a gratuity, which is paid by the customer to the worker.
  • The manager offered us dessert on the house.

Noun

1. an award (as for meritorious service) given without claim or obligation
2. a relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter)