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congratulate

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /kənˈɡræʧʊˌleɪt/

KK: /kənˈɡrætʃʊˌleɪt/

transitive verb
Definition

To express happiness or praise to someone for their success or good luck.


Example

I want to congratulate you on your promotion!


Tense Forms

Past: congratulated

Past Participle: congratulated


Conversation
Sloth A
I heard you got the job! I want to congratulate you on this amazing achievement.
Sloth B
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.
Sloth A
You worked really hard for it, you deserve it!
Sloth B
It means a lot to hear that from you.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
commend
applaud
celebrate
Antonyms
condemn
criticize
disapprove
Root Explanation

Congratulate is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "gratulare" (meaning to rejoice or express joy). The word describes the act of expressing joy together with someone for their achievements or good fortune.

Memory Tip

Think of sharing joy ('con-') with someone who has achieved something ('gratulare') — that's why congratulate means to express joy for someone's success.

Visually Confused Words
uncongratulate
recongratulate
uncongratulated
precongratulate
gratulate
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