What does gratis mean?
Gratis means that something is provided without charge. It is used both as an adjective, describing a free item, service, or opportunity, and as an adverb, indicating that no payment is required: “The guide is available gratis.” Although “free” is more common in everyday speech, gratis has a formal, polished quality and appears especially often in hospitality, public notices, and promotional material. It can imply generosity, as when a hotel offers breakfast gratis, or mark a complimentary promotional benefit. The word comes from Latin, where gratis originally meant “for thanks” and developed the sense “free of charge.” This history is why it shares a family of relatives with grateful, gratitude, and gratitude-related words. Using gratis can add an elegant or distinctly international tone to a sentence, particularly when the free offer is being announced or credited.
Free of charge; provided without payment.
"The hotel provides breakfast gratis for all guests."
Often used in formal announcements and descriptions of complimentary amenities or services.
Without charge or payment.
"Children are admitted gratis."
Common in formal or literary contexts; “free” is the usual everyday alternative.
Gratis began as a Latin phrase meaning “for thanks,” a neat reminder that something free can still be valuable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gratis come from?
English gratis comes from French gratis, which was borrowed from Latin gratis, meaning “for thanks” and, by extension, “free of charge.” Latin gratis is related to gratus, meaning “pleasing” or “grateful,” the source of words such as grateful and gratitude. The English word became established in the early 17th century with its present financial sense.
How gratis is actually used
Gratis is formal and somewhat literary, and is common in announcements, hospitality, and commercial notices. In everyday conversation, “free” is usually more natural. The term can also suggest generosity or a promotional gesture.
Easily confused with gratis
Gratis means free of charge, whereas gratuitous means unnecessary, unwarranted, or lacking a reason.