gratuitous
uncalled for or unwarranted; done without good reason
Word origin: From Latin gratuitus, given freely, from gratia, favor.
Gratuitous in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing gratuitous in a sentence.
Critics objected to the film's gratuitous violence, which added nothing to the story.
Critics objected to the film's gratuitous violence, which advanced neither plot nor character.
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Verbal · Text Completion
The novelist's late style is admired precisely for its blank: every superfluous phrase has been pared away, leaving prose of startling economy.
Using “gratuitous” well
Gratuitous means done without good reason, hence uncalled-for or unwarranted. A second sense is given freely or without charge, but the GRE usually tests the disapproving meaning of needless.
More GRE words starting with G
an embarrassing social mistake or blunder, especially in a public setting
providing profit or income; productive
in a way that yields profit or useful result
to deny or contradict; to declare false
one who denies, opposes, or contradicts
bold, brazen impudence or nerve
causing irritation or resentment; vexing
producing a sudden, startling burst of energy or excitement
Questions about “gratuitous”
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