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

Vance shook the hands of Republicans congratulating him, with some members stopping him for photos. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2025

One notable reaction however was from Strong’s Armageddon Time co-star Hathaway who took to Instagram to joke about Strong’s look while congratulating him on his nomination. —Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025

Major League Soccer released a brief social media statement congratulating Messi on the award. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 4 Jan. 2025

Netizens congratulated her forthcoming bundle of joy, while others pointed out that the post failed to mention the baby’s father. —Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 2 Jan. 2025

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