congratulate

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

verb (used with object)

congratulated, congratulating 

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

Other Word Forms

• congratulator noun
• precongratulate verb (used with object)
• uncongratulated adjective
• uncongratulating adjective
• congratulation noun
• congratulatory 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

"But I have to congratulate the lads. Whatever you say tactically at half-time, you still have to rely on them giving a great amount of physical effort and desire. We had bags of that."

Read more on BBC

Suzuki congratulated the pitcher, shared the exclamation and — because this is what friends do — gave him a hard time.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As the teams approach Herald Square, the exhausted volunteers look to congratulate each other on a job well done.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"It's still a good result to get second. I've got to congratulate Max and Red Bull."

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I get a lot of texts, especially if you win or you score... a lot of people congratulate you, which is nice.

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Related Words

• applaud 
• laud 
• praise 
• salute