gratuitous
What does "gratuitous" mean?
"Gratuitous" describes something that is given, done, or shown without any good reason, justification, or necessity. Imagine a situation where someone adds an unnecessary flourish or a violent scene that doesn't actually help tell the story; that extra, uncalled-for element is gratuitous. While it can mean "given for free" in very formal legal or archaic contexts, in modern English, it almost always carries a negative connotation. It suggests that the action is excessive, unprovoked, or inappropriate for the context, often implying that the person doing it is being wasteful or unnecessarily aggressive.
"gratuitous" in conversation
Discussing a movie
That action scene felt so gratuitous.
That action scene felt so gratuitous.
I agree, it didn't add anything to the plot.
I agree, it didn't add anything to the plot.
Used here to describe unnecessary violence in media.
Work feedback
Please avoid using gratuitous insults in your report.
Please avoid using gratuitous insults in your report.
Understood, I will keep the tone professional.
Understood, I will keep the tone professional.
Used to describe unprovoked or unwarranted behavior.
"gratuitous" in a sentence
The movie was criticized for its gratuitous violence.
The movie was criticized for its gratuitous violence.
He made a gratuitous remark that offended everyone at the table.
He made a gratuitous remark that offended everyone at the table.
The lawyer argued that the police search was a gratuitous violation of his client's privacy.
The lawyer argued that the police search was a gratuitous violation of his client's privacy.
