Celebrating: meaning, definitions and examples

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celebrating

[ˈsɛləˌbreɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

special occasion

To celebrate means to acknowledge a special day or event by engaging in festivities or other activities to show joy and happiness.

Synonyms

commemorate, mark, observe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
celebrating	Used when expressing joy and happiness during special occasions or achievements such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. They were celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary. We are celebrating Christmas with family and friends.
commemorate	Used to honor and remember significant events or people, often with a formal ceremony or activity. It usually involves a sense of respect or solemn reflection. The city will commemorate the soldiers who died in the war. Every year, we commemorate the founding of our company with a special event.
mark	Used to denote or highlight an important date or event in a way that can be formal or informal. It focuses on the act of acknowledging the significance of the occasion. We will mark the end of the year with a big party. This statue was built to mark the 100th anniversary of the town's founding.
observe	Used to describe following or adhering to a customary practice or tradition, often with respect and attention, such as religious ceremonies or national holidays. Many people observe Easter by attending church services. We observe Earth Day by planting trees and cleaning up parks.

Examples of usage

We are celebrating my birthday with a party.
They are celebrating their anniversary with a romantic dinner.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

public event

A celebration is a social gathering or event that is held to mark a special occasion or achievement.

Synonyms

event, festivity, party.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
celebrating	Used when someone is acknowledging a special occasion with joy and festivities. It emphasizes the act of marking an important event. We are celebrating our anniversary tonight. She was celebrating her promotion with her friends.
festivity	Used for activities or events that are cheerful and lively, often related to a cultural or religious celebration. It denotes a sense of fun and enjoyment. The holiday festivity was filled with music and dance. We enjoyed the local festivity during our vacation.
event	Refers to a planned public or social occasion. It is a general term that can range from small gatherings to large-scale functions. The charity event raised a lot of money for the cause. They organized a big event to launch the new product.
party	A social gathering of invited guests, typically involving food, drink, and entertainment. It's often used for more informal celebrations. She is throwing a birthday party this weekend. The office party had great music and delicious snacks.

Examples of usage

The city's annual celebration includes a parade and fireworks.
We attended a celebration to honor the team's victory.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

Many cultures celebrate birthdays with cake and gifts to mark the day a person was born.
Holidays often involve celebrations with family and friends, showcasing traditions unique to each culture.
In some communities, celebrations can last for days, involving parades, music, and communal gatherings.

Historical Origins

The tradition of celebrating significant events dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, who had festivals for gods and harvests.
The modern concept of celebrating holidays like Christmas and New Year's evolved from ancient winter solstice festivals.
During the Roman Empire, triumphs were celebrated with grand parades showcasing military victories.

Psychology

Celebrating achievements has been linked to improved mental health, reinforcing positive feelings and motivation.
Rituals and celebrations can create a feeling of belonging and community among people.
Expressing joy through celebration can release endorphins, contributing to feelings of happiness and satisfaction.

Literature

Celebrations are often pivotal moments in stories, marking character growth or major plot points—think of wedding scenes in novels.
Many authors use celebrations to convey themes of joy, loss, or change in their narratives, providing depth to characters' experiences.
From ancient epics to modern tales, celebrations frequently highlight the human capacity to come together in times of both joy and strife.

Pop Culture

Movies and songs often revolve around celebrations, portraying them as highlights of character development or turning points in plots.
Festivals like Mardi Gras and Diwali are celebrated worldwide and have gained international recognition of their cultural importance.
Social media has transformed the way we celebrate by allowing people to share their joyful moments instantly with friends and followers.

Translations

Translations of the word "celebrating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 celebrando

🇮🇳 जश्न मनाना

🇩🇪 feiern

🇮🇩 merayakan

🇺🇦 святкування

🇵🇱 świętowanie

🇯🇵 祝う

🇫🇷 célébrer

🇪🇸 celebrando

🇹🇷 kutlamak

🇰🇷 축하하다

🇸🇦 يحتفل

🇨🇿 slavit

🇸🇰 oslavovať

🇨🇳 庆祝

🇸🇮 praznovanje

🇮🇸 að halda upp á

🇰🇿 тойлау

🇬🇪 აღნიშვნა

🇦🇿 qeyd etmək

🇲🇽 celebrando

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,595, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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