‘Greatful' or 'Grateful': What's the Difference?

Are you ‘greatful’ or ‘grateful’ for the things you have? Wondering what the difference is and the correct way to spell it? We’ll look at that in more detail below. Plus, you’ll learn how to use it in a sentence correctly.

The short answer is that the difference is one spelling is correct and the other incorrect. ‘Grateful’ is incorrect. ‘Grateful’ is the only way to spell the word in American English.

‘Greatful’ or ‘Grateful’: Which is the Correct Spelling? 

So, you’ve just learned that the correct spelling of the word is ‘grateful.’ Any other spelling of the word is incorrect.

Difference Between ‘Grateful’ vs. ‘Greatful’ – Confused Words

You might be tempted to spell the word ‘greatful’ because the word ‘great’ is an actual word. But that’s not actually the case.

Similar Confusing Words  

Whether it’s a misspelling or the British English spelling of a word, there are plenty of words that even native English speakers occasionally get wrong. Take a look at a few examples.

Paid vs. Payed 

People often misspell the word ‘paid’ and think it’s spelled ‘payed.’ But it’s incorrect to spell it with a ‘y,’ so avoid that in your writing.

Organization vs. Organisation

Organization is another word that trips a lot of people up because of the British English spelling of the word (which is also correct). But when writing for an American audience, the spelling with the ‘z’ is most appropriate.

Aunty vs. Auntie

The correct spelling of the word is ‘auntie’ in American English. However, in British English, it’s acceptable to spell it ‘aunty.’

Definition and Meaning

The Merriam-Webster definition of ‘grateful’ is: “appreciative of benefits received,” “expressing gratitude,” “affording pleasure or contentment: pleasing,” and “pleasing by reason of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated.”

The Cambridge definition of the word is: “showing or expressing thanks, especially to another person.”

Some synonyms of the word include:

• Appreciative
• Obliged
• Appreciatory
• Thankful
• Glad

A Brief History

The first known use of the word was in 1552, and it meant the same thing it does today.

How to Use it In a Sentence

Now that we know a little bit more about the word let’s see how to use it in a sentence correctly.

Take a look at a few examples of how to use it in a sentence correctly:

• After all, you’ve done for us, I’m truly grateful to have you in my life.
• You should be grateful that we have a hot meal and a roof over our heads.
• I’m grateful Bob let us use the wheelbarrow last week. We couldn’t have done the job without it.
• Grateful doesn’t express how much I appreciate what you’ve done for us.
• I’m grateful we were on the right path because there were no signs.
• We’re so grateful to have a warm place to stay on such a cold winter night.

Final Advice on ‘Greatful’ and ‘Grateful’

Now that you know that the correct spelling of the word is ‘grateful’ and not ‘greatful,’ you’ll be able to use it correctly in a sentence, using the above examples.

Just remember that it’s not the same spelling as the word ‘great.’ But you can always come back here to double-check if you’re really unsure.

It’s exactly why we’ve created an entire library of articles dedicated to explaining confusing words and phrases – to help make it easier for anyone learning the language or brushing up on it.