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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Gratuitous \Gra*tu"i*tous\a. [L. gratuitus, from gratus pleasing. See {Grate}, adjective, {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}, adverb -- {Gra*tu"i*tous*ness}, noun
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
gratuitously
adverb: in an uncalled-for manner; "he insulted us gratuitously"
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Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |