gratulate

American  

[grach-uh-leyt] / ˈgrætʃ əˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

gratulated, gratulating

1. to hail with joy; express joy at.

2. to congratulate.

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verb (used without object)

gratulated, gratulating

1. to express joy.

gratulate British  

/ ˈɡrætjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to greet joyously

2. to congratulate

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Other Word Forms

• gratulant adjective
• gratulation noun
• gratulatorily adverb
• gratulatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of gratulate

1550–60; < Latin grātulātus (past participle of grātulārī to express joy), equivalent to grātul- express joy, congratulate, thank (derivative of grātus pleasing) + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

But fraternal affection was strong at his heart, and halting his men in the market-place, he rode up with the page and two or three others to gratulate his brother, and ask how he fared after the perils he had undergone.

From Project Gutenberg

Usurpers threats nor tyrant rebells frowne Could not afrright his duty to the Crowne; Which glorious act of his Church & state, Eight princes in one day did Gratulate Professing all to him in debt to bee As all the world are to his memory Since Earth Could not Reward his worth have given, Hee now receiues it from the King of heauen.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon thy sacred purple, barr'd with fire, I gratulate thee—glorious, lov'd attire!

From Project Gutenberg

I gratulate thee who hast shared and dared All things with me, except their penalty.

From Project Gutenberg

"Con—gratulate you, young man," he said, holding out his hand.

From Project Gutenberg