Grace
Etymology
From Latin "gratia" (favor, esteem, charm, thanks), from "gratus" (pleasing, thankful). Its religious sense — divine favor freely given to the undeserving — shaped the English word deeply, and from that root of unmerited gift grew the secondary senses of elegance, courtesy, and a merciful reprieve (a "grace period").
noun · /GRAYS/
Unearned favor or kindness shown to another, and by extension an effortless, gentle way of carrying oneself.
What it names
Use it for goodness that is given rather than owed — the pardon no one had to grant, the ease that makes hard things look light.
Example
She responded to the insult with a grace that shamed the room into silence.
Related idea
Mercy withholds a deserved punishment; grace goes further and bestows an undeserved good. And where elegance is purely aesthetic, grace of character carries a moral warmth — generosity worn lightly.
noun · /GRAYS/
A short prayer of thanks said before or after a meal.
What it names
a mealtime blessing
Example
They bowed their heads to say grace.
Related idea
The theological ‘unearned favor’ narrowed to a moment of thanks; compare gratitude.
noun · /GRAYS/
An extra period allowed beyond a deadline before a penalty applies.
What it names
a span of leniency after a due date
Example
The loan has a ten-day grace period before late fees begin.
Related idea
Mercy built into a schedule; compare mercy, clemency.
verb · /GRAYS/
To honor or adorn with one’s presence or a quality.
What it names
the act of lending distinction to something
Example
She graced the gala with a rare public appearance.
Related idea
To grace a gathering is to lend it distinction merely by being there; where you garnish a dish with a small flourish, you grace an occasion with the weight of your presence.