Dec
18
2007
Greatful.
Yes, I know the spelling is incorrect.
But, why is that the case? Why is “grateful” the proper spelling?
Over the years this has been a source of confusion for me.
Greatful. Grateful. Which looks more positive to you?
grate: verb 1: to rub or rasp noisily 2: to cause irritation
great: adjective 1: large in number or measure 2: remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness 3: full of emotion
Simply based on the definitions of each base word, wouldn’t it make more sense to use “great” instead?
I welcome the opinions and thoughts of any fellow lover of the English language.
Current Mood:
Confused
By Marsha, December 22, 2007 @ 2:22 am
Haha, I used to always spell grateful as greatful because well, when I pronounce it, it sounds… more correct. But ever since I found out the right spelling, I never thought much more. That’s a very good question though, haha.
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By Anjela, December 22, 2007 @ 7:16 am
that’s a very good question. i’ve never thought of that. but, a theory i’ve now just formed is that maybe once upon a time great used to be spelled grate, which led to the word grateful. but as grate has several meanings, such as the one you mentioned above, as well as a grate that is used in a fireplace, maybe they realised a different spelling of ‘grate’ was required. but that changing grateful might have too confusing for the public who at the time probably couldn’t read good (and do other things good /zoolander moment)
i think i’ve just confused myself now. but I reckon there’s a historical account of how certain words came about somewhere.
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By Aleida, December 22, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
Ehhh… I’m not an English native speaker and I’m also not a student of the English language. So ehm - I’m not sure *gulp* It is an interesting question :D
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By Caitlin, December 29, 2007 @ 11:49 am
GREATFUL!
Definately. Man. Good point!!
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