Words / C2

gr-uh-TYOO-it-uh-s/ɡrəˈtjuːɪtəs/

Gratuitous means done without good reason, uncalled-for: gratuitous violence, a gratuitous insult. Needless and unnecessary are everyday; free (gratis) is an older related sense still seen in “gratuitous advice”. Gratitude is thanks — a lookalike. Do not call a required safety film gratuitous.

Meaning

Done without a good reason; uncalled-for (often of harm or insult).

Examples

• “A gratuitous joke about the intern ended the item.”
• “Needless is everyday. Uncalled-for is a close twin. Gratis means free of charge. Gratitude is thanks. A mandated fire video is not gratuitous because someone is bored.”

Good to know

Unjustified; needless. Everyday: needless / uncalled-for. Related: gratis (free). Mix-up: gratitude. A required safety item is not gratuitous.

Near in meaning

needless

New