congratulate

[ kuhn-grach-uh-leytor, often, -graj-, kuhng- ]

verb (used with object)

, con·grat·u·lat·ed, con·grat·u·lat·ing.

1. to express pleasure to (a person), as on a happy occasion:

   They congratulated him on his marriage.

2. Archaic. to express sympathetic joy or satisfaction at (an event).
3. Obsolete. to salute.

congratulate

/ kənˈɡrætjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. usually foll by on to communicate pleasure, approval, or praise to (a person or persons); compliment
2. often foll by on to consider (oneself) clever or fortunate (as a result of)

   she congratulated herself on her tact

3. obsolete.
   to greet

Derived Forms

• conˌgratuˈlation, noun
• conˈgratuˌlator, noun
• conˈgratulatory, adjective

Other Words From

• con·gratu·lator noun
• precon·gratu·late verb (used with object) precongratulated precongratulating
• uncon·gratu·lated adjective
• uncon·gratu·lating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of congratulate¹

1540–50; < Latin congrātulātus, past participle of congrātulārī. See congratulant, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of congratulate¹

C16: from Latin congrātulārī, from grātulārī to rejoice, from grātus pleasing

Example Sentences

He enters the church and congratulates Dave, who replies: “Cheers John, nice to see you.”

From BBC

Adani took to X to congratulate Trump after his victory, and said that his group would spend $10 billion on energy security and infrastructure — a sign of deepening U.S.-India ties.

From New York Times

Last week on social media, Mr Adani congratulated Trump on his election win and pledged to invest $10bn in the US.

From BBC

The Israeli prime minister was quick to congratulate the Republican leader, and the two have chatted by phone repeatedly since the election.

From Los Angeles Times

For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success.

From BBC

Related Words

• applaud
• laud
• praise
• salute