congratulate

[ kuhn-grach-uh-leytor, often, -graj-, kuhng- ]

verb (used with object)

, con·grat·u·lat·ed, con·grat·u·lat·ing.

1. to express pleasure to (a person), as on a happy occasion:

   They congratulated him on his marriage.

2. Archaic. to express sympathetic joy or satisfaction at (an event).
3. Obsolete. to salute.

congratulate

/ kənˈɡrætjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. usually foll by on to communicate pleasure, approval, or praise to (a person or persons); compliment
2. often foll by on to consider (oneself) clever or fortunate (as a result of)

   she congratulated herself on her tact

3. obsolete.
   to greet

Derived Forms

• conˈgratuˌlator, noun
• conˈgratulatory, adjective
• conˌgratuˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• con·gratu·lator noun
• precon·gratu·late verb (used with object) precongratulated precongratulating
• uncon·gratu·lated adjective
• uncon·gratu·lating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of congratulate¹

1540–50; < Latin congrātulātus, past participle of congrātulārī. See congratulant, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of congratulate¹

C16: from Latin congrātulārī, from grātulārī to rejoice, from grātus pleasing

Example Sentences

A Details cover depicting Timberlake and congratulating him for “getting into Britney’s pants” appears on-screen.

From Washington Post

We've always tried to — when we're in the back, hanging out, waiting for them — when each of them come out, congratulate them either way, whether it's a win or loss.

From Washington Post

Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, congratulated Buttigieg for his “historic confirmation” in a statement.

From Washington Blade

Then little by little our friends and family, chosen and biological, joined us to congratulate us and wish us well.

From Washington Post

Some were prepared to issue statements congratulating legislators.

From ProPublica

My beef is not with Jolie, whom I congratulate on her work, and admire as human being simply trying to do a little bit of good.

From The Daily Beast

Other times I would say how wonderful it was to see him, and congratulate him on all the success that had come his way.

From The Daily Beast

The Miss Delaware Pageant is proud to congratulate Brittany and wishes Amanda the very best on her future endeavors.

From The Daily Beast

“I should congratulate Adriano for doing the best with what he had to work with,” Rangel said.

From The Daily Beast

One day Ebadi arrived at the Ministry of Justice to congratulate the revolutionary officials who had taken power.

From The Daily Beast

"I congratulate you on your engagement," he said at last, looking up with a face that seemed to Bernard hard and unnatural.

From Project Gutenberg

The bride then goes to court; after which the ladies visit her, and proceed to congratulate the other members of the family.

From Project Gutenberg

"I am very glad, and congratulate you that Crompton Place is your home without a doubt," Jack said to her.

From Project Gutenberg

There are a certain number of ready-made phrases which we store and use when we wish to congratulate one another.

From Project Gutenberg

Let me congratulate you upon the fortitude and courage with which you have ignored those lying reports of my death.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• applaud
• laud
• praise
• salute