Definition

The quality of being given or done without charge or payment; something that is unnecessary or unwarranted.

Example

The gratuitousness of the service surprised many customers, as they expected to pay for such luxury.

Conversation

Did you see that movie last night?

Yeah, I did! The violence felt a bit over the top, didn't it?

Totally! The gratuitousness of some scenes was just unnecessary.

Right? It took away from the story's potential.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gratuitousness → It is formed from "gratuitus" (from Latin, meaning free or given without charge) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "gratuitousness" refers to the quality of being given freely or without cause.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'free' ('gratuitus') and the '-ness' that indicates a state or quality. This helps you remember that gratuitousness means the quality of being free or unnecessary.

Visually Confused Words