Grace is smooth, controlled beauty in movement or behavior, and it can also mean kindness or favor that is freely given. To grace something means to add beauty or honor to it by being present.
“Grace” comes from Old French “grace” and Latin “gratia,” meaning favor, thankfulness, or charm. It has long held both religious meanings (divine favor) and social ones (elegance and politeness).
Grace is one of those rare words that covers body, mind, and spirit: how you move, how you treat people, and even how forgiveness feels. Someone can move with physical grace and also show grace by forgiving a mistake.
In many traditions, 'grace' has been associated with idealized feminine behavior—poise, gentleness, and self-effacement—while men's virtues were framed differently, contributing to gendered expectations. At the same time, 'grace' also has theological and aesthetic meanings not tied to gender.
Be cautious about using 'graceful' or 'full of grace' only for women or in ways that reinforce narrow gender norms; apply the term based on behavior or style, not gender. In religious or artistic contexts, clarify the specific meaning you intend.
["elegance","poise","kindness","generosity","unearned favor"]
Women artists, dancers, and leaders have redefined 'grace' to include strength, resilience, and public presence, expanding it beyond passive or purely decorative roles.
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