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

After congratulating Malcolm on his accomplishment, Dave provides both of their families with copies of the book where Malcolm’s writing has been featured. —Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024

Many celebrities congratulated the couple on social media. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 16 Dec. 2024

After the winners were announced, there was an atmosphere of support among the tamale competition contestants, each congratulating one another. —David Ulloa Jr, The Arizona Republic, 15 Dec. 2024

While plenty of debate was sparked on social media with Belichick’s surprising move to the NCAA, Lil Wayne hopped on X on Thursday (Dec. 12) to congratulate the six-time Super Bowl champion on getting the UNC job. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 13 Dec. 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