Meaning
Gratuity is a noun that means a small sum of money given to someone, especially for a service, as a tip. In some contexts, it can also mean a lump-sum payment given to an employee upon retirement or leaving a job.
Grammar and Usage
- Countable/uncountable noun
- Commonly used in formal or business English.
- In American English, tip is more common in everyday use.
- In formal employment contexts, gratuity can mean retirement payment.
Sentence structures:
- "Leave a gratuity for + person"
- "Receive a gratuity upon retirement"
Common Phrases
- Leave a gratuity
- Service gratuity
- Retirement gratuity
- Optional gratuity
- Gratuity included
Collocations
- Offer a gratuity
- Receive a gratuity
- Pay a gratuity
- Add a gratuity
- Automatic gratuity
Examples
- A 15% gratuity is included in the restaurant bill.
- Please leave a gratuity for the waiter if you are satisfied with the service.
- He received a retirement gratuity after 30 years of service.
- Some hotels automatically add a gratuity to the bill.
- The company provided a gratuity to employees who were laid off.
- She gave the bellboy a small gratuity for carrying her luggage.
- A gratuity is not required but always appreciated.
- The server thanked us warmly for the generous gratuity.
Synonyms or Related
- Tip
- Bonus
- Service charge
- Payment
- Reward
- Perk