congratulate

[ kuhn-grach-uh-leyt or, often, -graj-, kuhng- ]

/ kənˈgrætʃ əˌleɪt or, often, -ˈgrædʒ-, kəŋ- /

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See synonyms for congratulate on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), con·grat·u·lat·ed, con·grat·u·lat·ing.

to express pleasure to (a person), as on a happy occasion: They congratulated him on his marriage.

Archaic. to express sympathetic joy or satisfaction at (an event).

Obsolete. to salute.

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Origin of congratulate

1540–50; <Latin congrātulātus, past participle of congrātulārī.See congratulant, -ate¹

OTHER WORDS FROM congratulate

con·grat·u·la·tor, nounpre·con·grat·u·late, verb (used with object), pre·con·grat·u·lat·ed, pre·con·grat·u·lat·ing.un·con·grat·u·lat·ed, adjectiveun·con·grat·u·lat·ing, adjective

Words nearby congratulate

Congo River, congo snake, congou, congrats, congratulant, congratulate, congratulation, congratulations, congratulatory, congregant, congregate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use congratulate in a sentence

A Details cover depicting Timberlake and congratulating him for “getting into Britney’s pants” appears on-screen.
Britney Spears and the trauma of being young, female and famous in the ’90s|Ashley Fetters|February 5, 2021|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.
Darryl Morsell’s parents attended his first 97 Maryland games. The pandemic ended the streak.|Emily Giambalvo|February 4, 2021|Washington Post
Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, congratulated Buttigieg for his “historic confirmation” in a statement.
In first for LGBTQ history, Buttigieg confirmed as Cabinet-level appointee|Chris Johnson|February 2, 2021|Washington Blade
Then little by little our friends and family, chosen and biological, joined us to congratulate us and wish us well.
This country is a risky place to be a parent, and the pandemic reminded me of that|Haley Swenson|January 14, 2021|Washington Post

Some were prepared to issue statements congratulating legislators.
Bill Banning Locked Seclusion and Face-Down Restraints in Illinois Schools Stalls as Lawmakers Run Out of Time|by Jennifer Smith Richards, Chicago Tribune, and Jodi S. Cohen, ProPublica|January 14, 2021|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.
WTF Is Damgelina Doing At The Palace?|Tom Sykes|October 11, 2014|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.
How Mork Melted the Fonz: Henry Winkler Recalls Robin Williams’s Storming ‘Happy Days’ Debut|Tim Teeman|August 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Miss Delaware Pageant is proud to congratulate Brittany and wishes Amanda the very best on her future endeavors.
24 Is Not Too “Old” to Compete for Miss America|Erin Cunningham|June 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“I should congratulate Adriano for doing the best with what he had to work with,” Rangel said.
Charlie Rangel Dances On|Gideon Resnick|June 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One day Ebadi arrived at the Ministry of Justice to congratulate the revolutionary officials who had taken power.
The Hijab Is Iran’s Most Cherished Weapon|IranWire|June 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
"I congratulate you on your engagement," he said at last, looking up with a face that seemed to Bernard hard and unnatural.
Confidence|Henry James
The bride then goes to court; after which the ladies visit her, and proceed to congratulate the other members of the family.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
"I am very glad, and congratulate you that Crompton Place is your home without a doubt," Jack said to her.
The Cromptons|Mary J. Holmes
There are a certain number of ready-made phrases which we store and use when we wish to congratulate one another.
The 'Characters' of Jean de La Bruyre|Jean de La Bruyre
Let me congratulate you upon the fortitude and courage with which you have ignored those lying reports of my death.
The Double Four|E. Phillips Oppenheim

British Dictionary definitions for congratulate

congratulate

/ (kənˈɡrætjʊˌleɪt) /

verb (tr)

(usually foll by on) to communicate pleasure, approval, or praise to (a person or persons); compliment

(often foll by on) to consider (oneself) clever or fortunate (as a result of)she congratulated herself on her tact

obsolete to greet

Derived forms of congratulate

congratulation, nouncongratulator, nouncongratulatory or congratulative, adjective

Word Origin for congratulate

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

congratulate

Origin of congratulate

OTHER WORDS FROM congratulate

Words nearby congratulate

Words related to congratulate

How to use congratulate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for congratulate

Derived forms of congratulate

Word Origin for congratulate