thank
verb (transitive)
UK/θæŋk/US/θæŋk/
To express gratitude or appreciation to someone.
Example Sentences
I want to thank you for all the help you've given me during this project.
She thanked her team for their hard work and dedication to the company's success.
After receiving the gift, he took a moment to thank his friend for the thoughtful gesture.
They thanked the volunteers for their tireless efforts in organizing the community event.
He thanked everyone for attending his birthday party, making it a memorable celebration.
During the ceremony, the president thanked the military personnel for their service.
She always makes sure to thank her teachers for their guidance and support.
After the interview, he sent a note to thank the hiring manager for the opportunity.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Shows gratitude or recognition of another's help or kindness.This term is often used to express genuine appreciation for something someone has done. In a simple form, “Thank you” conveys a quick sentiment of gratitude in everyday interactions—after receiving assistance, a gift, or a compliment. If you’re writing a note or email, you might elaborate, saying, “Thank you for your time and support,” to highlight the reason behind your gratitude.When you want to thank someone more formally—like in professional correspondence or when recognizing a significant favor—include details about how their action or contribution helped you. For instance, “Thank you for your guidance on the project; it really clarified our next steps.” This approach not only acknowledges their effort but also strengthens the relationship. In casual conversation, phrases such as “Thanks a bunch” or “Thanks so much” add a friendly, upbeat tone.Beyond speech, body language can reinforce gratitude. A warm smile, steady eye contact, or a handshake (when appropriate) can add depth to the thanks. Additionally, in certain cultures, small tokens or gestures—like a handwritten note, flowers, or a thoughtful gift—are traditional ways to show appreciation. Regardless of medium, clarity and sincerity are key; a heartfelt message often resonates more deeply than a formulaic response.
Alternatives
Several synonyms or related expressions capture a similar feeling of gratitude. “I appreciate it” or “I appreciate you” shifts focus to personal acknowledgment of someone’s value or support. “Much obliged” has a more old-fashioned or formal tone, common in historical or polite contexts. If you want to mix casual flair into your gratitude, try something like “Many thanks” or “Cheers,” which can sound warmer and more personal.To underline a strong sense of relief or deep appreciation, people might say “I can’t thank you enough,” which emphasizes that words alone aren’t sufficient. In a more enthusiastic register, “Thanks a million!” conveys a big burst of gratitude. Meanwhile, gestures like “thankful for” or “grateful for” can introduce the specific reason behind your appreciation: “I’m so grateful for all your support.” Each choice conveys a similar message of acknowledgment but can be adapted to match the level of formality or emotional depth you need. You’ll often see these expressions mixed in day-to-day chatter, written notes, and online messages, adding a personal touch to standard politeness.
Writing
When weaving this concept into your written text, focus on sincerity and specificity. Simply typing “Thanks” can sound a bit terse in a more formal context—an upgrade might be “Thank you very much for your assistance.” If you’re crafting a detailed letter of appreciation, mention which of the recipient’s actions you value most: “Your mentorship was invaluable when I faced tough decisions regarding the project.” Such clarity reminds them exactly why you feel grateful.It’s also worth matching the style of your “thank you” to the platform. Business emails often benefit from a slightly more professional tone: “I appreciate your timely response,” while personal letters or thank-you cards allow for more warmth and detail: “Your kindness and support made an enormous difference.” If the context is celebratory—like a wedding or graduation—add a heartfelt comment on how their presence or gift contributed to the special occasion.In more literary or narrative writing, you might highlight the emotion behind the gratitude—“She whispered her thanks, tears forming at the corners of her eyes”—to underscore how deeply the character feels. Each of these approaches underscores that appreciation is not just courteous but meaningful, strengthening relationships and showing respect.
Casual Conversation
Casual usage of this word is simple yet vital in everyday life, whether you’re interacting with family, friends, or strangers. A quick “Thanks!” when a coworker passes along important documents or a friend shares lunch demonstrates respect and recognition. If you’re looking for a lighthearted twist, you might say “Thanks a bunch!” or “Thanks, you’re the best!” to playfully convey your gratitude.In texting or online chats, brevity is common—“Ty” or “Thx” are informal abbreviations for “thank you,” though they might come across as less heartfelt than writing out the full phrase. Adding emojis—like a thumbs-up or a smiling face—can personalize your thanks in casual digital spaces. Remember that while quick, casual expressions of gratitude are appropriate for everyday exchanges, showing more depth or detail, even in a short conversation, can make someone’s day. For instance, “Thanks, that really means a lot to me” can create a small moment of genuine connection in an otherwise routine interaction.
Etymology
The word “thank” has deep Germanic roots, tracing back to Old English “þancian,” meaning to express gratitude or to think upon kindly. Initially, it reflected both the concept of gratitude and thoughtfulness, underscoring how giving thanks is tied to the idea of considerate acknowledgment. Over the centuries, as language evolved, the spelling shifted from “thanc” to “thank,” and the word’s use spread broadly across English-speaking cultures.Historically, gratitude has been linked with social harmony—rituals of thanking often appear in religious or communal traditions, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging help or gifts. The enduring presence of “thank” in modern speech reflects this universal human impulse to recognize kindness. Whether it’s a small courtesy or a major act of goodwill, we continually rely on “thank” to affirm positive connections and remind each other of the reciprocal nature of support and generosity.
