[syn: thankfully, gratefully]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Grateful \Grate"ful\, a. [Grate, a. + full; cf. F. gr['e]
thanks, good will, fr. L. gratum, neut. of gratus agreeable,
grateful. See Grate, a.]
1. Having a due sense of benefits received; kindly disposed
toward one from whom a favor has been received; willing to
acknowledge and repay, or give thanks for, benefits; as, a
grateful heart.
[1913 Webster]
A grateful mind
By owing, owes not, but still pays. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. Affording pleasure; pleasing to the senses; gratifying;
delicious; as, a grateful present; food grateful to the
palate; grateful sleep.
[1913 Webster]
Now golden fruits on loaded branches shine,
And grateful clusters swell. --Pope.
Syn: Thankful; pleasing; acceptable; gratifying; agreeable;
welcome; delightful; delicious. -- Grate"ful*ly, adv.
-- Grate"ful*ness, n.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
gratefully
adv 1: with appreciation; in a grateful manner; "he accepted my
offer appreciatively" [syn: appreciatively,
gratefully] [ant: unappreciatively, ungratefully]
2: in a thankful manner; with thanks; "he accepted thankfully my
apologies" [syn: thankfully, gratefully]