gratify
UK[ˈɡrætɪfaɪ]US[ˈɡrætɪfaɪ]
v
to please or satisfy someone
v
to give someone what they want, especially something that is not good for them
Morpheme Breakdown
grat
ify
grat
pleasing
ify
verb suffix
Etymology
the word 'gratify' has a clear lineage from the latin adjective 'gratus', meaning 'pleasing' or 'thankful'. this root is combined with the latin verbal suffix '-ficare', which denotes 'to make'. thus, the literal construction is 'to make pleasing'. this sense evolved through middle french 'gratifier' into english, retaining the core meaning of causing pleasure or satisfaction. the modern usage can refer to both wholesome satisfaction and the potentially negative indulgence of desires.
Analysis
Structure: grat (pleasing) + ify (verb suffix)
grat is from latin 'gratus', meaning 'pleasing, thankful, agreeable'. ify is a verb-forming suffix from latin '-ficare', meaning 'to make, to do'.
Examples
it gratified him to see how well his students were performing.
parents should not simply gratify their children's every whim.
she was deeply gratified by the recognition of her hard work.