congratulation

[ kuhn-grach-uh-ley-shuhnor, often, -graj-, kuhng- ]

noun

1. the act of congratulating.
2. congratulations, an expression of joy in the success or good fortune of another.

interjection

1. congratulations, (used to express joy in the success or good fortune of another):

   Congratulations! You have just won the lottery!

Other Words From

• con·gratu·lation·al adjective
• precon·gratu·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of congratulation¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin congrātulātiōn- (stem of congrātulātiō ), equivalent to congrātulāt ( us ) ( congratulate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Overall, it was a sweet, positive show that at the same time avoided the air of self congratulation that often hangs around these events.

From Los Angeles Times

Haydon thanked friends, family and strangers for their messages of congratulation.

From Seattle Times

“She is proud of her table arrangement and thinks she deserves a word of congratulation — but the housekeeper must tell Betty that she has noticed a few errors.”

From Salon

After the lecture, he said, “Cardinal Ratzinger immediately stepped forward to shake my hand and offer warm words of encouragement and congratulation.”

From Washington Times

Now, they are buzzing with memes, videos and messages of congratulation, but also a strain of sceptical archness.

From BBC

Related Words

• applause
• commendation
• felicitation
• salute