First Known Use: 1539
Dictionary
congratulate
verb con·grat·u·late \kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlāt, -ˈgra-jə-\
: to tell (someone) that you are happy because of his or her success or good luck
: to feel pleased with (yourself)
con·grat·u·lat·edcon·grat·u·lat·ing
Full Definition of CONGRATULATE
transitive verb
1
archaic : to express sympathetic pleasure at (an event)
2
: 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>
3
— con·grat·u·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
— con·grat·u·la·to·ry \-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective
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Origin of CONGRATULATE
Latin congratulatus, past participle of congratulari to wish joy, from com- + gratulari to wish joy, from gratus pleasing — more at grace
Related to CONGRATULATE
- Synonyms
- compliment, felicitate, hug
Rhymes with CONGRATULATE
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CONGRATULATE Defined for Kids
congratulate
verb con·grat·u·late \kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlāt\
con·grat·u·lat·edcon·grat·u·lat·ing
Definition of CONGRATULATE for Kids
: to express pleasure on account of success or good fortune <I congratulated the winner.>
Word Root of CONGRATULATE
The Latin word gratus, meaning “pleasing” or “thankful,” gives us the root grat. Words from the Latin gratus have something to do with being pleasing or being thankful. To ingratiate yourself is to make others feel thankful for something you've done. To feel grateful is to feel thankful for something. Gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness. To congratulate is to express how pleasing someone's success is.
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