ingrate etymology

Etymology

The word "ingrate" comes from the Latin word "ingratus," which means "unthankful" or "ungrateful." This Latin word is composed of the prefix "in-," meaning "not," and the root "gratus," meaning "pleasing" or "thankful."

Meaning

An ingrate is a person who fails to show gratitude for benefits received. They are characterized by a lack of appreciation, kindness, or remorse. Ingrates may take favors for granted, fail to acknowledge acts of kindness, or even return evil for good.

Origin

The concept of ingratitude has been present in various cultures throughout history. The earliest known use of the word "ingrate" in English can be traced back to the 15th century. It was first used in a figurative sense to describe someone who was unpleasant or disagreeable. Over time, the term became more closely associated with the concept of ingratitude.

In the Bible, there are numerous references to the sin of ingratitude. One notable example is the parable of the ten lepers, where only one leper returns to thank Jesus for healing him. This parable teaches the importance of expressing gratitude for the blessings we receive.

In literature and philosophy, ingratitude has also been a subject of exploration. William Shakespeare's play "King Lear" depicts the tragic consequences of ingratitude, as the titular character is betrayed by his ungrateful daughters. Similarly, the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche considered ingratitude to be one of the worst vices, because it undermined the social fabric and prevented people from forming meaningful relationships.

ingrate relate terms

  • ingratitude

    Etymology The word ingratitude is derived from Late Latin ingratitūdo which is itse

  • ingrate

    Etymology The word ingrate comes from the Latin word ingratus which means unthankfu

  • agree

    Etymology From Middle English agreen from Anglo Norman agreer from Old French agreer

  • bard

    Etymology and Origin The word bard is derived from the Old Irish word bardd which i

  • congratulate

    Etymology The word congratulate comes from the Latin phrase cum grātulārī which mea

  • congratulation

    Etymology The word congratulation comes from the Latin word congratulari which means

  • disgrace

    Etymology Late Middle English in the sense loss of honour or reputation from O

  • grace

    Etymology Latin gratia favor thankfulness grace Meaning Favor kindness or good

  • gracious

    Etymology Middle English gracious from Old French gracieux from Latin gratiosus f

  • grateful

    Etymology Middle English grateful from Anglo French grateful from grat grate verb

  • gratis

    Etymology From Spanish gratis meaning free of charge Meaning Free of charge

  • gratitude

    Etymology The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia meaning favor

  • gratuitous

    Etymology Gratuitous comes from Late Latin gratuitus meaning freely given volunt

  • gratuity

    Etymology The word gratuity originates from the Latin word gratuitus which means f

  • gratulation

    Etymology Old French congratulation Latin gratulatio gratulationis Meaning An exp

  • ingrate

    Etymology The word ingrate comes from the Latin word ingratus which means unthankfu

  • ingratiate

    Etymology Latin ingratiāre to make oneself agreeable Prefix in into Verb g

  • enemy

    Etymology The word enemy comes from the Old French word ennemi which in turn is der