gratulate

[grach-uh-leyt]

verb (used with object)

gratulated, gratulating 

1. to hail with joy; express joy at.

2. to congratulate.

verb (used without object)

gratulated, gratulating 

1. to express joy.

gratulate

/ ˈɡrætjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to greet joyously

2. to congratulate

Other Word Forms

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

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

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.

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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.

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

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

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

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