Gratuity ( /ɡrætʃuɪˈtɪ/) is a common noun that means a sum of money given by one party to another, typically as a reward for services rendered. The spelling of the word is derived from the Latin word "gratuitas," which means "gift." The phonetic transcription (/ɡrætʃuɪˈtɪ/) breaks down the sounds in the word into individual components. The first syllable (/ɡrætʃ/) is a blend that combines the "gr" and "a" sounds, while the second syllable (/uɪˈtɪ/) uses the diphthong "ui" to represent the vowel sounds.
Gratuity is a noun that refers to a sum of money given voluntarily or beyond the usual payment for services rendered, particularly in the service industry. It is typically an expression of gratitude or appreciation from a customer to a service provider for their quality of work. This additional compensation is sometimes known as a tip.
Gratuities are commonly given in industries such as restaurants, bars, hotels, and taxis, where tipping is customary. The amount of a gratuity can vary and is usually determined by the customer's satisfaction with the service received. It can be a percentage of the total bill or a fixed amount, depending on the cultural norms of the region or personal preferences.
Gratuities serve as an incentive for service providers to perform well, as they can directly impact their income. In some countries, particularly in North America, tips are expected and factored into the compensation of service workers who typically receive lower base wages. However, in other regions, such as some European countries, tipping practices may differ, and service charges may already be included in the bill.
It is important to note that gratuity is distinct from a mandatory service charge or fee, which is a predetermined added charge for services rendered, regardless of the quality of service. Gratuities are voluntary and are at the discretion of the customer, reflecting their satisfaction or appreciation for the service provider.
A gift; a present; a donation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "gratuity" has its origins in the Latin word "gratuitas", which means "free gift" or "generosity". It entered the English language in the early 19th century, specifically from the French word "gratuité", which also means "gift" or "something given willingly". Over time, the term "gratuity" evolved to refer to a sum of money given as a bonus or reward, typically provided in addition to a regular payment or fee, as a token of appreciation or acknowledgement.