Origin: 1545–55; obs.
grate pleasing (< L
grātus) +
-ful 
Related forms: grate⋅ful⋅ly, adverb
grate⋅ful⋅ness, noun
Synonyms:
1. obliged, indebted. Grateful, thankful describe an appreciative attitude for what one has received. Grateful indicates a warm or deep appreciation of personal kindness as shown to one: grateful for favors; grateful to one's neighbors for help in time of trouble. Thankful indicates a disposition to express gratitude by giving thanks, as to a benefactor or to a merciful Providence; there is often a sense of deliverance as well as of appreciation: thankful that one's life was spared in an accident; thankful for the comfort of one's general situation. 3. pleasant, gratifying, satisfying.
[greyt-fuh