congratulate
[kuh n-grach-uh-leyt or, often, -graj-, kuh ng-]
- 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for congratulating
Contemporary Examples
David Lee (Zach Grenier) becomes suspicious of the fourth years when he witnesses them congratulating each other in the office.
Of course, Justin Trudeau lost no time in congratulating her on Twitter.
Let me begin by congratulating President Obama on the start of his second term.
Even in what seemed like an honest moment, Kimmel eked out a joke when congratulating Obama on his strength during tough times.
Gaddafi has also appeared on state TV, congratulating Libyans on defeating "the rats."
Historical Examples
That same doing, is what we are congratulating the present Ministry upon.
He reached the old pine safely, and felt like congratulating himself.
The Law-BreakersRidgwell Cullum
They were congratulating one another with odd, soft-syllabled words.
Two Thousand Miles BelowCharles Willard Diffin
They were congratulating him on his engagement yesterday at the station.
Thankful's InheritanceJoseph C. Lincoln
After the handshaking and congratulating were over, the crowd dispersed.
Cy Whittaker's PlaceJoseph C. Lincoln
congratulate
- (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
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Word Origin
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
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Word Origin and History for congratulating
congratulate
v.
1540s, from Latin congratulatus, past participle of congratulari "to congratulate" (see congratulation). Related: Congratulated; congratulating.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper