gratuitous
UK: ɡrəˈtjuːɪtəs | US: ɡrəˈtuːɪtəs
adj. given or done freely without reason or necessity
adj. excessive or unwarranted (often negatively connoted)
adj. (legal) without payment or obligation
gratuitous = gratu<favor> + itous<adjective suffix>
- gratu (from Latin gratuitus, meaning "freely given" or "favor")
- itous (adjective-forming suffix, indicating a quality or state)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin gratuitus ("free, voluntary"), which stems from gratia ("favor, kindness"). The word entered English in the 17th century, initially describing actions done without obligation. Over time, it acquired a negative connotation (e.g., "unnecessary excess") due to cultural associations with unjustified generosity or excess. The root gratia also appears in gratitude and gratify, linking to ideas of goodwill and reward.
The film included gratuitous violence that added nothing to the plot.
His gratuitous advice annoyed everyone at the meeting.
She received gratuitous access to the premium service as a trial.
Critics dismissed the scene as gratuitous fan service.
The lawyer offered gratuitous legal aid to low-income clients.