gratulate

[ grach-uh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, grat·u·lat·ed, grat·u·lat·ing.

1. to hail with joy; express joy at.
2. to congratulate.

verb (used without object)

, grat·u·lat·ed, grat·u·lat·ing.

1. to express joy.

gratulate

/ ˈɡrætjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to greet joyously
2. to congratulate

Derived Forms

• ˌgratuˈlation, noun
• ˈgratulatory, adjective
• ˈgratulant, adjective

Other Words From

• grat·u·la·to·ri·ly [grach, -, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-, uh, -lee, -tohr-], adverb
• gratu·la·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratulate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gratulate¹

C16: from Latin grātulārī, from grātus pleasing

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

Much joy I hope you'l find, we came to gratulate your new knit marriage-band.

From Project Gutenberg

And now let me gratulate you upon the renovated vigor of your fine old friends the Russians.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor did they less gratulate the inferior officers and soldiers, who had exposed themselves most to those dangers.

From Project Gutenberg

These Letters do gratulate and remembre the ioy of the disciple for hauinge sutch a maister.

From Project Gutenberg