Gratia

/ˈɡreɪʃə/ noun

Definition

A Latin word meaning 'grace' or 'favor,' used in English in phrases like 'Dei gratia' (by the grace of God).

Etymology

From Latin 'gratia,' derived from 'gratus' (pleasing). The word entered English through religious and formal Latin phrases that remained untranslated.

Kelly Says

Medieval monarchs insisted on titles like 'Elizabeth I, Dei Gratia Regina Angliae' (by the grace of God, Queen of England) as a way to claim their power came from heaven, not from people—using Latin to make their authority seem more sacred.

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