Grateful, a.
Etymology: [Grate, a. + full; cf. F. gré thanks, good will, fr. L. gratum, neut. of gratus agreeable, grateful. See Grate, a.]
1. Having a due sense of benefits received; kindly disposed toward one from whom a favor has been received; willing to acknowledge and repay, or give thanks for, benefits; as, a grateful heart. A grateful mind By owing, owes not, but still pays. Milton.
2. Affording pleasure; pleasing to the senses; gratifying; delicious; as, a grateful present; food grateful to the palate; grateful sleep. Now golden fruits on loaded branches shine, And grateful clusters swell. Pope.
Syn. -- Thankful; pleasing; acceptable; gratifying; agreeable; welcome; delightful; delicious. -- Grate"ful*ly, adv. -- Grate"ful*ness, n.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for grateful; he lists it under delightful.
Where he writes about it:
Grateful is stronger than agreeable or gratifying, indicating whatever awakens a feeling akin to gratitude. — from delightful