congratulation
Americannoun
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the act of congratulating.
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congratulations, an expression of joy in the success or good fortune of another.
interjection
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of congratulation
1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin congrātulātiōn- (stem of congrātulātiō ), equivalent to congrātulāt ( us ) ( see congratulate) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Congratulation is what you offer when someone accomplishes something positive or has a happy life event. Applause after a performance, shouting "Way to go!" or sending a nice card — all express congratulations. The noun congratulation comes from the Latin word congratulari, which means “with joy.” The word is usually used in the plural form: congratulations. Any achievement can bring you others' congratulations, from big things like receiving an award or graduating, to more everyday things like making the swim team or getting a good grade on a test. If someone is proud of you and happy for what you've done, congratulations are in order.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It was an extremely competitive race and a well-deserved victory by lovely Juno but congratulation to all owners and their corgis who took part."
From BBC • Apr. 19, 2025
Overall, it was a sweet, positive show that at the same time avoided the air of self congratulation that often hangs around these events.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2024
Haydon thanked friends, family and strangers for their messages of congratulation.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2024
Until recently, even the dirtiest campaigns ended with the grace notes of concession and congratulation.
From Washington Post • Jan. 3, 2022
Anatole did a laughing, backward-hopping dance of congratulation.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
