congratulate

verb

con·​grat·​u·​late kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlāt 

-ˈgra-jə-

congratulated; congratulating

transitive verb

1

: to express vicarious pleasure to (a person) on the occasion of success or good fortune

graciously congratulated the winner

also : to feel pleased with

congratulating herself for a job well done

2

archaic : to express sympathetic pleasure at (an event)

3

obsolete : salute, greet

congratulator

kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlā-tər 

-ˈgra-jə-

noun

Synonyms

• compliment
• felicitate
• hug

Examples of congratulate in a Sentence

I'd like to congratulate you on your success.

She congratulated us on our test results.

She congratulated herself for getting the best grade in her class.

Recent Examples on the Web

Surrounded by his family, staff members and several lawmakers, Attal congratulated Barnier. —Sophie Tanno, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024

If the absence of pumpkin from pumpkin spice is obvious to you, then congratulate yourself, but be kind to the many people who are coming to grips with the concept. —Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

Carol Dodge congratulates Chris Tapp after he was fully exonerated. —CBS News, 4 Sep. 2024

A number of Meyer's celebrity friends congratulated her in the comment section of the post, including Jennifer Garner, Kate Hudson, Vanessa Bryant, Kelly Rowland and Paris Hilton. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin congratulatus, past participle of congratulari to wish joy, from com- + gratulari to wish joy, from gratus pleasing — more at grace

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

congratulate

verb

con·​grat·​u·​late kən-ˈgrach-ə-ˌlāt 

congratulated; congratulating

: to express pleasure to on account of success or good fortune

congratulate the winner

Etymology

from Latin congratulatus "has wished joy," derived from Latin con-, com- "with, together" and gratulari "to wish joy," from gratus "pleasing, agreeable, thankful" — related to grace, gratitude