Congratulations: meaning, definitions and examples

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congratulations

 

[kษ™nหŒษกrรฆtสƒ.uหˆleษช.สƒษ™nz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

achievement

An expression of joy in the success or good fortune of another.

Synonyms

best wishes, compliments, felicitations.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
congratulations

Used to express praise and joy for someone's achievement or special occasion, such as a graduation or wedding.

  • Congratulations on your promotion!
  • Congratulations on the birth of your baby!
felicitations

A formal way to offer congratulations, often used in written communication or formal speech.

  • Felicitations on your anniversary.
  • Please accept my felicitations on your distinguished award.
compliments

Used to express polite praise or admiration for someone's qualities or achievements, commonly used in social interactions.

  • You look stunning tonight, my compliments.
  • Compliments to the chef for this delicious meal.
best wishes

Used to convey good intentions and hope for someone's future, often used in cards or letters.

  • Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
  • Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Examples of usage

  • Congratulations on your promotion!
  • I want to offer my congratulations on your graduation.
Context #2 | Noun

celebration

The act of congratulating.

Synonyms

applause, celebration, praise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
congratulations

This word is commonly used when expressing happiness or pride for someone's achievements or good news.

  • Congratulations on your promotion!; Congratulations on winning the race!
celebration

This word is used when talking about an event or activity done in honor of a special occasion, achievement, or festive event.

  • We're planning a big celebration for her birthday
  • ; Their anniversary celebration was wonderful
applause

This term refers to the act of clapping hands together to show approval or appreciation, often used during performances, ceremonies, or speeches.

  • The audience gave a huge applause after her performance
  • ; The applause was thunderous after his acceptance speech
praise

This word is used when expressing approval or admiration of someone or something. It can be used in various settings including personal, professional, and religious contexts. Praise can sometimes be seen as insincere if overused.

  • She received high praise for her volunteer work
  • ; The coach praised the team's effort after the game

Examples of usage

  • The party was filled with hugs and congratulations.
  • They received many congratulations on their wedding day.
Context #3 | Noun

wishes

Good wishes; regards.

Synonyms

best regards, good wishes, regards.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
congratulations

Used to express happiness for someone's success or a special event.

  • Congratulations on winning the award! Congratulations on your wedding!
regards

A neutral, polite way to end a letter or email, less formal than 'best regards', but still appropriate for most situations.

  • Please let me know if you have any questions
  • Regards, Alex
  • Thank you for your assistance
  • Regards, Emma
best regards

A polite, formal way to end a letter or email, often used in professional or business contexts.

  • Thank you for your time
  • Best regards, John
  • Looking forward to your reply
  • Best regards, Sarah
good wishes

Used to express general well-being, often in a formal or polite manner.

  • Sending you my good wishes for your recovery
  • Good wishes for the New Year!

Examples of usage

  • My congratulations to you and your family.
  • He sent his congratulations to the newlyweds.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'congratulare,' meaning 'to wish joy,' combining 'con-' (together) and 'gratus' (pleasing).
  • It was first recorded in English around the late 14th century, reflecting how people celebrated achievements.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'with' or 'together,' highlighting a sense of shared joy in acknowledging someone else's happiness.

Pop Culture

  • In films and television, characters often shout 'Congratulations!' during joyful moments, like weddings or competitions.
  • Songs and events often include themes of congratulating someone, making them a common part of celebratory gatherings.
  • Social media platforms have popularized the use of 'congrats' as a casual version, emphasizing connection in todayโ€™s digital age.

Psychology

  • Receiving congratulations can lead to increased self-esteem and motivation, reinforcing positive behaviors.
  • People often feel a sense of bonding and social acceptance when congratulated, promoting stronger relationships.
  • Expressions of congratulations can encourage continued success by creating an environment of support and encouragement.

Literature

  • Expressions of congratulations appear in classic literature, often marking significant character development or achievements.
  • In poetry, congratulations are sometimes depicted in celebratory verses, capturing the essence of joy and recognition.
  • Famous literary pieces often highlight the communal aspect of congratulating, emphasizing shared joy in human experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "congratulations" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น parabรฉns

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคงเคพเคˆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Glรผckwรผnsche

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•ํ•˜ํ•ฉ๋‹ˆ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชู‡ุงู†ูŠู†ุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gratulace

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ gratulรกcie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฅ่ดบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ฤestitke

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ til hamingju

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑั‚ั‚ั‹า›ั‚ะฐัƒะปะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ˜แƒšแƒแƒชแƒแƒ•แƒ—

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tษ™briklษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ felicitaciones

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,381, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.