verb
congratulate
kuhn-GRACH-uu-layt
verb
1
To tell someone you are happy for them about something good that has happened.
"We congratulated her on passing her final exams."
"He sent a card to congratulate them on their engagement."
2
To feel pleased with yourself about something.
"He quietly congratulated himself on a job well done."
How to Use Congratulate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo praise someone for good news, or to feel proud of yourself.
Common pairings
congratulate someone on
congratulate yourself
Word Forms
congratulated past tense, congratulates singular
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Etymology
From Latin congratulor, "to wish someone joy together with others" — from con- ("with") + gratulari ("to show joy"), related to gratus ("pleasing").