• Thank

    Pronunciation

    Origin 1

    From Old English þanc, from Proto-Germanic *þankaz. Compare Dutch dank, German Dank.

    Full definition of thank

    Noun

    thank

    (plural thanks)
    1. (obsolete) An expression of appreciation; a thought.
      • Bible, Luke vi. 33If ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
      • MiltonWhat great thank, then, if any man, reputed wise and constant, will neither do, nor permit others under his charge to do, that which he approves not, especially in matter of sin?

    Origin 2

    From Old English þancian, from Proto-Germanic *þankōną. Compare Dutch and German danken.

    Verb

    1. To express gratitude or appreciation to someone.
      She thanked him for the lift.
      • 1900, L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Chapter 23The Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman and the Lion now thanked the Good Witch earnestly for her kindness; and Dorothy exclaimed:...
      • 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, Mr. Pratt's Patients Chapter 4, I told him about everything I could think of; and what I couldn't think of he did. He asked about six questions during my yarn, but every question had a point to it. At the end he bowed and thanked me once more. As a thanker he was main-truck high; I never see anybody so polite.
    2. Credit or hold something responsible.
      We can thank global warming for this weather.
      • 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 5, But Miss Thorn relieved the situation by laughing aloud,.... By the time we reached the house we were thanking our stars she had come. Mrs. Cooke came out from under the port-cochere to welcome her.

    Related terms

    © Wiktionary