Congratulation: meaning, definitions and examples

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congratulation

 

[ kษ™nหŒษกrรฆtสƒสŠหˆleษชสƒษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

celebratory event

The act of congratulating someone, typically on a special occasion or achievement. It is a way of expressing joy and admiration towards the person being congratulated.

Synonyms

compliment, felicitations, praise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
congratulation

Used to express joy or acknowledge someone's achievement, success, or good news. Commonly used in social settings, work, and personal relationships.

  • Congratulations on your promotion!
  • My sincerest congratulations on your wedding.
praise

Used to express approval or admiration for someone's actions or qualities. It can be used in various contexts, like work, education, or personal encouragement. Praise often implies a deeper appreciation and is sometimes used in spiritual or moral contexts.

  • The teacher praised the student for her excellent essay.
  • He was praised for his bravery during the crisis.
compliment

Used to praise someone for their appearance, skills, or qualities. It can be used in both personal and professional settings.

  • You did a great job on this presentation, I must compliment you.
  • That's a beautiful dress; you look amazing!
felicitations

A formal expression of congratulations. More often seen in written or ceremonial contexts rather than casual conversation.

  • Felicitations on the happy event!
  • Please accept my felicitations on your remarkable achievement.

Examples of usage

  • He received many congratulation messages after winning the award.
  • She gave him a big hug as a congratulation for his promotion.
  • The whole team gathered for a congratulation party in his honor.
Context #2 | Noun

informal usage

A message or gesture expressing delight or approval for someone's success or good fortune.

Synonyms

accolade, applause, kudos.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
congratulation

Use this word when you want to express joy for someoneโ€™s success or good fortune, often in a personal or direct manner.

  • Congratulations on your promotion!
  • She received congratulations from friends after winning the award.
kudos

This word is typically used in informal contexts to express praise and admiration for someone's achievements or actions.

  • Kudos to John for completing the project ahead of schedule!
  • You deserve all the kudos for organizing the event so well.
applause

Often used to describe the act of clapping to show approval or appreciation, usually in a public setting.

  • The performance ended to thunderous applause.
  • She felt proud when the audience gave her a standing ovation and loud applause.
accolade

This word is ideal for formal or professional settings and often refers to an award or high praise someone receives publicly.

  • The scientist received many accolades for her groundbreaking research.
  • Being named 'Best Chef' is an accolade that means a lot to him.

Examples of usage

  • I just wanted to send you a quick congratulation on your new job!
  • His face lit up with joy upon receiving the congratulation card.
  • She was overwhelmed by the flood of congratulation from her friends.
Context #3 | Noun

obsolete

An expression of pleasure or joy, especially at the good fortune of another.

Synonyms

felicitation, good wishes, salutation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
congratulation

Use in a general context when expressing joy or pride for someone's achievement or special occasion.

  • Congratulations on your promotion!
  • She received many congratulations after winning the championship.
felicitation

Use in a formal or somewhat old-fashioned context when extending good wishes, often in writing.

  • Please accept my sincerest felicitations on your wedding day.
  • He sent his felicitations after hearing about her academic success.
good wishes

Use in a friendly, casual context to express warm thoughts and positive hopes for someone's future.

  • Sending you my good wishes for the New Year.
  • Best of luck and good wishes as you embark on your new journey.
salutation

Use in a formal or polite context, often at the beginning of a speech, letter, or other form of address, to greet someone.

  • His speech began with a warm salutation to the audience.
  • Salutations can vary greatly depending on the formality of the occasion.

Examples of usage

  • The room was filled with congratulation and merriment at the news of the engagement.
  • In times past, it was customary to offer a congratulation gift to the newlyweds.

Translations

Translations of the word "congratulation" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น parabรฉns

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคงเคพเคˆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Glรผckwunsch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ selamat

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ั‚ะฐะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gratulacje

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠใ‚ใงใจใ†

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fรฉlicitations

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ felicitaciones

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tebrikler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ถ•ํ•˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชู‡ู†ุฆุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gratulace

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ gratulรกcia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฅ่ดบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ฤestitke

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ til hamingju

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑั‚ั‚ั‹า›ั‚ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ˜แƒšแƒแƒชแƒแƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tษ™brik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ felicitaciones

Etymology

The word 'congratulation' originated from the Latin word 'congratulatio' which means 'to wish joy'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, the term became widely used to express joy and admiration towards someone's achievements or special occasions. Today, 'congratulation' is a common way to celebrate and acknowledge the success of others.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,734, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.