graces: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal/literary
Quick answer
What does “graces” mean?
The plural noun form referring to the qualities of elegance, poise, or refinement in movement, manner, or appearance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural noun form referring to the qualities of elegance, poise, or refinement in movement, manner, or appearance; also, the three Greek goddesses of charm, beauty, and creativity in mythology.
The term can also refer to small acts of courtesy or goodwill, a period of delay granted as a favor, or the inherent virtue/benefit believed to be bestowed by divine favor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The phrase 'good graces' (to be in someone's favor) is slightly more common in AmE. 'The Graces' (mythology) is universally capitalized.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of old-fashioned elegance, high society, or classical education when used in certain fixed phrases.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, primarily found in formal, literary, or specific cultural/religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “graces” in a Sentence
possess + the + gracesbe devoid of + graceswith + (adjective) + gracesthe graces + of + nounVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “graces” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He graces us with his presence only rarely.
- The portrait graces the wall of the National Gallery.
American English
- She graced the cover of Time magazine.
- A lone oak tree graced the hilltop.
adverb
British English
- (N/A - 'grace' is not an adverb; 'gracefully' is used)
American English
- (N/A - 'grace' is not an adverb; 'gracefully' is used)
adjective
British English
- (N/A - 'grace' is not a standard adjective; 'graceful' is used)
American English
- (N/A - 'grace' is not a standard adjective; 'graceful' is used)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in 'social graces' for networking contexts.
Academic
Common in literature, art history, and classical studies to refer to the mythological figures or aesthetic concepts.
Everyday
Limited. Mostly in fixed phrases like 'saving graces'.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “graces”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “graces”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “graces”
- Using it as a singular verb (*'He graces the room' is correct for verb 'grace'; 'He has many grace' is incorrect). Confusing 'graces' (plural noun) with 'grace's' (possessive). Overusing in informal contexts where 'manners' or 'charm' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Graces' as a verb is the third-person singular present tense of 'to grace' (e.g., She graces the stage). The plural noun 'graces' is a different lexical item.
'Grace' is a mass noun for elegance or divine favor. 'Graces' (plural) typically refers to specific manifestations of elegance (social graces) or the mythological figures. It often implies a set of distinct qualities.
No. 'Graces' is a plural count noun. You can say 'a grace' (singular) in some contexts (e.g., 'She moved with a natural grace'), but not 'a graces'.
The standard idiom is 'with good grace' (willingly) or 'with ill grace' (unwillingly). 'With bad graces' is non-standard and uncommon.
The plural noun form referring to the qualities of elegance, poise, or refinement in movement, manner, or appearance.
Graces is usually formal/literary in register.
Graces: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪsɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪsɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “with good grace/graces”
- “fall from grace”
- “a saving grace”
- “airs and graces”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine three elegant dancers (the Three Graces) moving with perfect grace-S. The 'S' at the end can stand for their multiple, saving graces.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOODNESS/FAVOUR IS A PHYSICAL PRESENCE (to be in someone's good graces). BEAUTY IS A DIVINE GIFT (her every movement had the graces of a goddess).
Practice
Quiz
In classical mythology, 'the Graces' are traditionally associated with: