congratulate
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.
Origin of congratulate
1Other words from congratulate
- con·grat·u·la·tor, noun
- pre·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, adjective
- un·con·grat·u·lat·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use congratulate in a sentence
The public entrance was besieged by expectant congratulators, who waited to shower bouquets over the blooming bride.
It was really too trifling to think of, and he galloped up to Miss Dacre, and was among the warmest of her congratulators.
The Young Duke | Benjamin DisraeliHe came walking slowly through a suite of rooms, in each of which a body of Congratulators were assembled.
History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. XX. (of XXI.) | Thomas Carlyle
British Dictionary definitions for congratulate
/ (kənˈɡrætjʊˌleɪt) /
(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
Origin of congratulate
1Derived forms of congratulate
- congratulation, noun
- congratulator, noun
- congratulatory or congratulative, adjective
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
Browse