The word "gratify" /ˈɡrætɪfaɪ/ refers to the act of giving satisfaction or pleasure. The spelling of this word is based on its Latin root, "gratificare", which means "to please". The first letter, "g", is pronounced like the "g" in "go". The second letter, "r", is rolled and pronounced like the "r" in "rain". The emphasis is on the second syllable, where the "ti" is pronounced like "sh". The last syllable, "fy", is pronounced like "fai".
Gratify is a verb that refers to satisfying or fulfilling someone's desires, wishes, or needs, often resulting in pleasure, contentment, or satisfaction. When an individual is gratified, they experience a sense of joy, pleasure, or happiness in response to having their desires or needs fulfilled.
In a personal context, gratify often relates to the fulfillment of emotional or physical desires. For instance, receiving a compliment or praise from others may gratify a person's ego and make them feel validated. Similarly, indulging in a favorite hobby or enjoying a delicious meal can gratify one's personal desires for relaxation or pleasure.
Gratify can also extend to satisfying the needs or wishes of others. Parents, for instance, aim to gratify their children's wants by providing them with love, attention, and material goods. Additionally, acts of kindness or generosity towards others can be gratifying, as they fulfill a person's desire to make a positive impact or bring joy to someone else's life.
The concept of gratification can be found in various fields, including psychology, where it is often associated with the fulfillment of unconscious desires. In marketing or consumer behavior, the term is frequently used to describe the aim of satisfying customer desires in order to generate sales.
Overall, to gratify means to provide satisfaction or fulfillment, whether it is related to personal desires, emotional needs, or the desires of others.
To give pleasure to; to delight; to please.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "gratify" originated from the Latin word "gratificare" which is a combination of "gratus" meaning "pleasing" or "grateful", and "facere" meaning "to make" or "to do". Hence, "gratificare" translates to "to please" or "to make grateful". Over time, this Latin word evolved into "gratify" in English, retaining the meaning of bringing pleasure, satisfaction, or fulfillment.