Deo gratias
[ˈde.oː ˈɡraː.ti.aːs]
The phrase "thanks be to God" in Latin is Deo gratias.
Deo gratias is an expression used to give thanks to God for a positive outcome or blessing. It often functions as a liturgical exclamation or a standalone expression of gratitude within religious contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the dative noun Deo (to/for God) and the accusative plural noun gratias (thanks/gratitude).
How does it change in a sentence?
Deo is the dative singular form of Deus, which indicates the recipient of the thanks. Gratias is the accusative plural form of gratia, used here as the object of an implied verb of giving.
Did you know?
- The word Deo is believed to have been borrowed from Δηώ, a synonym for the Greek goddess Δημήτηρ.
- In many traditional Latin chants, the phrase is not just a sentence but a rhythmic musical cue that invites the choir to respond to a leader.
- The phrase is so deeply embedded in Western history that it can sometimes be used in secular academic or legal settings to express relief at a successful outcome.
Examples in context
- Iter bonum fuit, Deo gratias.The journey was good, thanks be to God.
Example conversation
Gaius and Aurelia discuss a successful harvest.
- GaiusMessis huius anni abundans est.This year's harvest is abundant.
- AureliaIta est, Deo gratias.It is so, thanks be to God.
- GaiusNunc non timebimus famem.Now we will not fear hunger.
- AureliaHoc est magnum gaudium.This is a great joy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Deo gratias, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
