gratis

the english word 'gratis' is a direct borrowing from latin, where it functions as an adverb meaning 'as a kindness, for nothing, free'. it is the ablative plural form of 'grātia', meaning 'favor, kindness, grace'. this latin term itself stems from the adjective 'grātus', meaning 'pleasing, thankful', which is traced back to the proto-indo-european root gʷerh₂-, signifying 'to praise, welcome'. the semantic journey moved from the concept of 'favor' to the specific sense of a favor granted without expectation of payment. entering english in the late 15th century, 'gratis' has retained its core meaning of being provided freely, often as a gesture of goodwill or for promotional purposes, preserving its classical latin form and legalistic precision.

the word is a simplex loanword from latin. it does not contain separable morphemes in its modern english spelling.