DictionaryAI

congratulate

verb
kuhn-GRAJ-uu-layt/kənˈɡɹæd͡ʒ.ʊˌleɪt/kuhn-GRACH-uu-layt/kənˈɡɹæt͡ʃ.ʊˌleɪt/

Formscongratulates, congratulating, congratulated

2 meanings of congratulate

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To tell someone you are happy about their good news or success.

    We all wanted to congratulate her on the new baby.

    Everyone at the office congratulated Sam on getting his first big contract.

    Similarcompliment, commend, praise, salute, applaud

    Oppositecriticize, commiserate

    Note
  2. 2
    verbreflexivetransitive
    To feel glad and proud about your own good luck or a smart choice you made.

    Like patting yourself on the back for making a good choice.

    You should congratulate yourself for finishing the whole project alone.

    She congratulated herself on choosing the safer road home.

    Similarpride, credit, praise, applaud, flatter

    Oppositeblame, reproach, berate

    Note

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Origin

First used in 1548. It comes from Latin, where a verb meaning 'to rejoice with' was built from a root meaning 'grateful' or 'pleasing'.