Felicitations: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'felicitatio', which is derived from 'felicitas', meaning happiness or good fortune.
• In the 18th century, the word began to be used in English to express well-wishing at celebrations.
• The prefix 'feli-' relates to words in other languages associated with happiness, like 'felice' in Italian.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, sending felicitations is customary during milestone events, such as graduations or weddings.
• Japanese culture emphasizes formal congratulations; using the right phrase is important to convey respect during celebrations.
• Felicitations can also be part of social etiquette in formal letters, enhancing the tone of the correspondence.

Use in Literature

• Used in various literary works, the term often appears in the context of celebrations or achieving success.
• Shakespeare, among other playwrights, occasionally employed formal greetings akin to felicitations in characters’ dialogues.
• Poets often use the concept of felicitations to express joy and praise within the stanzas of their works.

Psychological Impact

• Expressing or receiving felicitations can boost morale and happiness, fostering positive emotions.
• Research shows that receiving congratulations can enhance an individual’s sense of accomplishment and reinforce motivation.
• Studies indicate that people who celebrate others’ achievements tend to have better social relationships and emotional well-being.

Modern Usage

• In contemporary communication, especially in social media, felicitations can be expressed through emojis or celebratory GIFs.
• The term is less common in everyday speech but still appears in formal settings, many people prefer simpler phrases.
• Felicitations is often used in official contexts such as diplomas or awards, preserving its formal tone.

This word's position of #33,750 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 33747 brainy
• 33748 flipper
• 33749 hogging
• 33750 felicitations
• 33751 clownish
• 33752 penology
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