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congratulations

congratulations

1.1
Words you say to show you are happy about someone's good news
  • noun
  • /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃənz/
translation icon : felicitaciones
  • I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your recent promotion.

So welcome Dolly, congratulations on A More just future.

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Examples

  • And Ryan, congratulations for moving on to the next round.

  • And again, thank God for you and congratulations on your new star.

  • OK, so first congratulations to all of you.

  • So I just want to say congratulations to you and your man.

  • So if you posted first, congratulations, you won the Internet.

  • Thank you for the invitation, first of all, and congratulations to New Zealand.

  • First of all, congratulations on inventing a time machine.

  • Hey girl, congratulations Amra, this is amazing.

  • So one more time, Maureen, congratulations, really awesome.

  • Again, big congratulations out to Jackie and Abhi.

Synonyms

congratulation
vscongratulations
904 1.3

Words said or written to show you are happy for someone's success

is the plural, more common spoken form
applause
vscongratulations
647 1.0

Clapping hands to show you like or approve something

expresses praise using words and good wishes rather than action
compliment
vscongratulations
342 1.6

A polite remark that praises someone or something

is used more for wishing success rather than simple praise
great job
vscongratulations
  • Informal
284 1.0

To praise someone for doing a task well

is a polite wish that can be formal or written
praise
vscongratulations
161 1.0

Words or actions that show admiration for someone

aims specifically to offer good wishes for success or happiness
commendation
vscongratulations
  • Formal
39 6.8

An official award or letter praising someone for good work

is a simple spoken or written wish rather than an official award
kudo
vscongratulations
37 8.3

A praise or compliment for something someone did

is the act of offering goodwill and congratulatory words
shout-out
vscongratulations
  • Texting
37 6.3

A public word of thanks and praise often said during an event or online

is usually private or direct spoken or written goodwill
kudos
vscongratulations
21 5.3

Praise and respect people give for doing something well

is a polite verbal or written wish rather than an award
nice one
vscongratulations
  • UK
16 7.4

A short way to show approval or praise for something done well

is a polite expression suitable for many situations
felicitation
vscongratulations
  • Formal
1 8.3

Words or actions showing congratulations to someone on a special occasion

is the everyday polite expression used broadly
compliments
vscongratulations
1.3

Polite words that show respect or good wishes to someone

is more focused on praising success or happiness
extolment
vscongratulations
  • Literature
9.9

A lot of praise for someone or something

is everyday polite praise rather than elevated or literary praise

Antonyms

56 5.5

A strong statement saying someone or something is wrong

45 3.0

A feeling that shows you do not agree with someone or what they do

Compounds

1 2.6

A formal letter that praises someone's success or achievement

How Praiseful

bravo
131 5.3
congratulations
1.1
great job
  • Informal
284 1.0
well done
84 1.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

congratulations = congratulation (transparent) = congratulate + ion + s

Formed by the standard nominalization 'congratulation' from the verb 'congratulate' plus the plural/exclamatory 's', so learners who know 'congratulate' or 'congratulation' can readily derive the meaning.

Etymology

The word congratulations comes from the Latin parts con- meaning 'with' and gratus meaning 'pleasing' or 'thankful', so it originally meant 'being pleased with someone'. You can see the same root in grateful, which helps you remember that congratulations is a way to show joy and good wishes for someone's success.