Definitions for: Gratuitous

[adj] without cause; "a gratuitous insult"
[adj] unnecessary and unwarranted; "a strikers' tent camp...was burned with needless loss of life"
[adj] costing nothing; "complimentary tickets"

Webster (1913) Definition: Gra*tu"i*tousa. [L. gratuitus, from gratus
pleasing. See Grate, a., Gratis.]
1. Given without an equivalent or recompense; conferred
without valuable consideration; granted without pay, or
without claim or merit; not required by justice.

We mistake the gratuitous blessings of Heaven for
the fruits of our own industry. --L'Estrange.

2. Not called for by the circumstances; without reason,
cause, or proof; adopted or asserted without any good
ground; as, a gratuitous assumption.

Acts of gratuitous self-humiliation. --De Quincye.
-- Gra*tu"i*tous*ly, adv. -- Gra*tu"i*tous*ness, n.

Synonyms: complimentary, costless, free, gratis(p), needless, uncalled-for, unmerited, unnecessary, unneeded, unpaid

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