congratulation

[kuhn-grach-uh-ley-shuhn, -graj-, kuhng-]

noun

1. the act of congratulating.

2. congratulations, an expression of joy in the success or good fortune of another.

interjection

1. congratulations, (used to express joy in the success or good fortune of another).

   Congratulations! You have just won the lottery!

Other Word Forms

• congratulational adjective
• precongratulation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of congratulation¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin congrātulātiōn- (stem of congrātulātiō ), equivalent to congrātulāt ( us ) ( congratulate ) + -iōn- -ion

Related Words

• applause 
• commendation 
• felicitation 
• salute