noun
gratification
grat-ih-fih-KAY-shun/ˌɡrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/
Pleasure from having a desire or need fulfilled.
The craftsperson feels gratification while admiring the completed handmade cabinet.
Etymology
The roots connect pleasing with making or doing. Gratification shifted from the act of giving someone pleasure to the satisfaction experienced by the person whose wishes are fulfilled.
In context
most kids cannot delay gratification they're gonna gobble it gobbl it up super fast
More examples
- Online shopping offers instant gratification, but the excitement often fades.
- Saving for a vacation means choosing delayed gratification over small daily treats.
- He gets great gratification from seeing his students succeed.
Forms
gratification
gratify verb — To give someone pleasure or satisfaction.
gratifying adjective — Giving pleasure by meeting needs or expectations.
Similar words
- satisfaction
- Often suggests a settled feeling that expectations have been met.
- fulfillment
- Emphasizes meeting deeper needs or achieving meaningful personal goals.
- pleasure
- Broader enjoyment that need not follow a fulfilled desire.