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gratulate

American  
[grach-uh-layt] / ˈgrætʃ əˌleɪt /

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 British  
/ ˈɡrætjʊˌleɪt /

verb

  1. to greet joyously

  2. to congratulate

"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

Other Word Forms


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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Thanks, good friend Escalus, for thy much goodness There's more behind that is more gratulate.

From Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

This is the King, and here is the Gentleman, Which must thy comming gratulate a non, Pom.

From The Tragedy Of Caesar's Revenge by Anonymous

There was ironic fatality in the accident which checked this tide of gratulate reflection.

From Joan Thursday by Louis Joseph Vance

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

From The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Vol. I by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

With Oriental eyes I come to see, And gratulate this great solemnitie.

From Old and New London Volume I by Walter Thornbury

Some recognised the man, whose appearance and features were not easily forgot, and gratulated him upon his most unexpected return to the service of his country.

From Waverley Novels — Volume 12 by Sir Walter Scott

The edict of the Emperor upon the occasion, therefore, passed into a law, acknowledged by the assent of the chiefs present, and especially affirmed and gratulated by the shouts of the assembled spectators.

From Waverley Novels — Volume 12 by Sir Walter Scott

Ida found her companionship pleasant, and Mr. Woodstock con gratulated himself on having taken the right step.

From The Unclassed by George Gissing

"Watch the way they shake hands, watch the way they are con gratulating each other," said Prosecutor Chertoff.

From Time Magazine Archive

Fiercely ere long Their gratulating shout aloft had leaped But Hilda laid her finger on her lip, Or provident lest praise might stain the pure, Or deeming song a gift too high for praise.

From Legends of the Saxon Saints by Aubrey De Vere

The next was to embrace me tenderly,—"My dear—dear son!"—Owen secured one of my hands, and wetted it with his tears, while he joined in gratulating my return.

From Rob Roy — Volume 02 by Sir Walter Scott

Whilst every heart a silent prayer bestowed, Slow to the convent's massy gate he rode: Around, the brothers, gratulating, stand, And ask for tidings of the southern land.

From The Poetical Works of William Lisle Bowles, Vol. 1 With Memoir, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory Notes by George Gilfillan by George Gilfillan

He ended, and Achilles, godlike Chief, Smiled on him, gratulating his success,690 Whom much he loved; then, ardent, thus replied.

From The Iliad of Homer Translated into English Blank Verse by William Cowper by William Cowper

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