n. a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation; "he was overwhelmed with gratitude for their help"

n. [the feeling of being thankful]

n. a statement acknowledging something or someone; "she must have seen him but she gave no sign of acknowledgment"; "the preface contained an acknowledgment of those who had helped her"

n. (religion) a solemn declaration that serves the same purpose as an oath (if an oath is objectionable to the person on religious or ethical grounds)

n. a public declaration of your faith

n. an expression of gratitude; "he expressed his appreciation in a short note"

n. the principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint; in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of `guilty' or `not guilty' (or nolo contendere); in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims

n. the manner in which something is greeted; "she did not expect the cold reception she received from her superiors"

n. an acknowledgment of appreciation

n. the explicit and formal acknowledgement of a government or of the national independence of a country; "territorial disputes were resolved in Guatemala's recognition of Belize in 1991"

n. a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection

n. a lack of gratitude

n. [the lack of thankfulness]