What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gratified
Example
I was gratified to see my hard work pay off with a promotion. [gratified: adjective]
Example
She felt gratified by the positive feedback she received on her presentation. [gratified: verb]
pleased
Example
I am pleased with the progress we have made so far. [pleased: adjective]
Example
He was pleased to receive an invitation to the conference. [pleased: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pleased is more commonly used than gratified in everyday language. Pleased is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gratified is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gratified and pleased?
Gratified is more formal than pleased and is often used in professional or academic settings to express appreciation or satisfaction.