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

Multiple users channeled a popular bit from “The Office” to congratulate Krasinski — tweeting photos of actor Randall Park instead of the “If” director.

From Los Angeles Times

The Ukrainian leader was among the first to congratulate Trump on his “impressive” victory in Tuesday’s vote, and the two later spoke by phone.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was one of the first to congratulate the new president-elect this morning.

From BBC

In a statement posted on social media Thursday evening, Breed said she had called Lurie to congratulate him.

From Los Angeles Times

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States of America.”

From Salon

Related Words

• applaud
• laud
• praise
• salute