gratuity
C1Formal or technical (legal, military, business); sometimes used in everyday contexts as a formal alternative to 'tip'.
Definition
Meaning
A sum of money given voluntarily for a service, beyond what is owed or required; a tip.
An extra payment, especially in contexts of employment (e.g., a discretionary bonus upon retirement or discharge from the armed forces). In British military/police contexts, a significant end-of-service lump sum.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term has a legalistic or institutional nuance, especially when it's not discretionary (e.g., contractual service charge). The use for 'tip' feels slightly elevated or euphemistic in casual contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'gratuity' is the standard formal term for a service gratuity (tip), often appears on restaurant bills as 'discretionary service charge'. In American English, 'tip' is overwhelmingly preferred in everyday speech; 'gratuity' is used on formal receipts, fine dining menus, or in specific professional/military contexts. The British military/police 'gratuity' (lump-sum payment) is less common in the US, where 'severance bonus' or 'separation pay' is used.
Connotations
UK: Formal, institutional, slightly less optional-sounding when on a bill. US: Very formal, often associated with automatic charges on bills, can feel like a corporate/mandatory term for a tip.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, particularly in written/spoken formal contexts (e.g., contracts, hospitality). Lower frequency in everyday US English, where 'tip' dominates.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
give (someone) a gratuityadd a gratuity to the billa gratuity for (the service)receive a gratuity upon (retirement)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At one's own gratuity (archaic)”
- “No gratuity accepted/required (signage)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In contracts: "A discretionary gratuity may be added for exceptional service."
Academic
In sociology/economics papers: "The practice of offering gratuities influences service sector dynamics."
Everyday
In a restaurant: "The bill includes a 12.5% service gratuity."
Technical
In HR/legal documents: "Upon completion of service, a terminal gratuity is payable as per company policy."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The hotel staff were generously gratuited by the departing guests. (rare, archaic)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A ten percent gratuity was added to our restaurant bill.
- Is the service charge the same as a gratuity, or is it a compulsory fee?
- Upon his retirement, he received a substantial tax-free gratuity from the army.
- The contract stipulated a discretionary gratuity, contingent upon client satisfaction metrics, rather than a guaranteed bonus.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GRATUITY = GRATitude paid to U (you) for service. Or, sounds like 'grateful' - you give it when you're grateful.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GIFT IS A REWARD FOR SERVICE. Money is a token of gratitude/appreciation.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a 'grant' or 'scholarship' (грант).
- Not a 'gratis' or free item (бесплатно).
- In some contexts, 'gratuity' can be translated as 'чаевые' (tip), but in formal/military contexts as 'выходное пособие' (severance pay).
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it /ɡræˈtuːɪti/ (wrong vowel).
- Using it in casual contexts where 'tip' is more natural: 'I left the waiter a gratuity' (sounds stilted in US speech).
- Confusing it with 'gratis' (free of charge).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gratuity' MOST likely to be used in British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but 'gratuity' is the formal or legal term. In everyday US English, 'tip' is almost always used. In the UK, 'gratuity' or 'service charge' is common on bills.
Legally, a 'gratuity' implies discretion. However, businesses may add a mandatory 'service charge' to bills, which is often labelled as a 'gratuity' but is effectively compulsory.
A gratuity is typically a one-off payment for service (often at its end, like a tip or retirement payment). A bonus is more general, often performance-based and can be recurring (e.g., annual bonus).
Yes, notably in British/Commonwealth military, police, and civil service contexts, where it refers to a significant lump-sum payment made upon retirement or resignation after qualifying service.
Explore