rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygraciousExclamation of surprise
interjection

gracious

Expresses surprise or concern.

Gracious, why is there water all over the kitchen floor?

Etymology
graciousLatinfull of favor

The exclamation developed from expressions invoking divine graciousness, such as gracious God. Used alone, it conveys surprise or concern without stating the fuller invocation.

More examples

  • Good gracious, your garden is full of butterflies!
  • Gracious, that car nearly hit us!
  • Gracious, I didn't realize it was so late!

Similar words

goodness
A similarly mild exclamation, often introduced by “oh” or “my.”
wow
Expresses surprise or admiration more often than concern.