gratuitous

views updated May 23 2018

gra·tu·i·tous / grəˈt(y)oōitəs/ • adj. 1. uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted: gratuitous violence.2. given or done free of charge: solicitors provide a form of gratuitous legal advice.DERIVATIVES: gra·tu·i·tous·ly adv.gra·tu·i·tous·ness n.

Gratuitous

views updated May 17 2018

GRATUITOUS

Bestowed or granted without consideration or exchange for something of value.

The term gratuitous is applied to deeds, bailments, and other contractual agreements.

A gratuity is something given by someone who has no obligation to give and can be used in reference to a bribe or tip.