gratuitous

Adjective
Synonyms: complimentarycostlessfreegratis(p)needlessuncalled-for

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (3)

  1. without cause“a gratuitous insult”
  2. costing nothing“complimentary tickets”“free admission”Synonyms: complimentarycostlessfreegratis(p)
  3. unnecessary and unwarranted“a strikers' tent camp...was burned with needless loss of life”Synonyms: needlessuncalled-for
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Gratuitous \Gra*tu"i*tous\a. [L. gratuitus, from gratus pleasing. See Grate, a., Gratis.]

1.Given without an equivalent or recompense; conferred without valuable consideration; granted without pay, or without claim or merit; not required by justice. [1913 Webster]

We mistake the gratuitous blessings of Heaven for the fruits of our own industry.— L'Estrange.[1913 Webster]

2.Not called for by the circumstances; without reason, cause, or proof; adopted or asserted without any good ground; as, a gratuitous assumption. [1913 Webster]

Acts of gratuitous self-humiliation. --De Quincye. -- Gra*tu"i*tous*ly, adv. -- Gra*tu"i*tous*ness, n. [1913 Webster]
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