Congratulate: meaning, definitions and examples

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congratulate

 

[ kənˈɡrætʃəˌleɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in a formal way

To express pleasure or praise for the success or good fortune of someone. It is often done on special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or achievements.

Synonyms

applaud, compliment, hail, praise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
congratulate

Use when you want to express joy and good wishes for someone's achievements or success.

  • I wanted to congratulate you on your promotion!
  • She congratulated him for winning the race.
compliment

Use when you want to express praise or admiration, usually about someone's appearance, qualities, or actions.

  • She complimented him on his new haircut.
  • I must compliment you on the delicious meal.
praise

Use when you want to express approval, admiration, or commendation, often in a general sense. It can be used in various contexts, including personal and professional settings.

  • The teacher praised the student for his hard work.
  • She praised the movie for its compelling storyline.
applaud

Use when you want to show approval or admiration, often through clapping. It's also used metaphorically to express strong approval.

  • The audience stood to applaud the performer.
  • I applaud your decision to donate to charity.
hail

Use when you want to publicly praise or show strong admiration, often for someone who has done something very impressive. It has a formal tone.

  • The scientist was hailed as a pioneer in her field.
  • They hailed the athlete as a national hero.

Examples of usage

  • Please congratulate her on her promotion.
  • I would like to congratulate you on your graduation.
Context #2 | Verb

in a casual way

To give good wishes or express approval for someone's achievement or good fortune in a more informal manner.

Synonyms

celebrate, cheer, salute, toast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
congratulate

Use this word when you want to express praise or good wishes to someone for an achievement, success, or happy event.

  • I want to congratulate you on your promotion!
  • We should congratulate her for winning the competition.
cheer

Use this word when you want to show support, encouragement, or happiness for someone, often in a lively or enthusiastic manner.

  • Everyone gathered to cheer the team during the match.
  • She cheered loudly when her friend received the award.
celebrate

This word is best used when you are marking a special occasion or event, often with friends and family, through various activities like parties, dinners, or other festivities.

  • Let's celebrate your birthday with a big party!
  • They celebrate their anniversary every year with a special trip.
salute

This word is often used in formal or military contexts to show respect or honor to someone, typically with a gesture or words.

  • The soldiers salute their commanding officer.
  • We salute the brave firefighters for their service.
toast

Use this word when you want to raise a drink in honor of someone or something, often during a social gathering or special occasion.

  • Let's raise a toast to the newlyweds!
  • We toasted his success with a glass of champagne.

Examples of usage

  • I just wanted to congratulate you on your new job!
  • Let's all congratulate Sarah on her engagement.

Translations

Translations of the word "congratulate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 parabenizar

🇮🇳 बधाई देना (Badhai dena)

🇩🇪 gratulieren

🇮🇩 mengucapkan selamat

🇺🇦 вітати

🇵🇱 gratulować

🇯🇵 祝う (iwau)

🇫🇷 féliciter

🇪🇸 felicitar

🇹🇷 tebrik etmek

🇰🇷 축하하다 (chukahada)

🇸🇦 يهنئ (yuhani)

🇨🇿 blahopřát

🇸🇰 blahoželať

🇨🇳 祝贺 (zhùhè)

🇸🇮 čestitati

🇮🇸 óska til hamingju

🇰🇿 құттықтау (qūttıqtau)

🇬🇪 მილოცვა (milotsva)

🇦🇿 təbrik etmək

🇲🇽 felicitar

Etymology

The word 'congratulate' originated from the Latin word 'congratulari', which means 'to wish joy'. It entered the English language in the 16th century. The act of congratulating others has been a common social practice throughout history, as people have always sought to acknowledge and celebrate the successes and joys of their friends, family, and acquaintances.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,466, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.