C1verb2K

Congratulate

UK /["/kənˈɡrætʃəleɪt/","/kənˈɡrætʃəleɪts/","/kənˈɡrætʃəleɪtɪd/","/kənˈɡrætʃəleɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/kənˈɡrætʃəleɪt/","/kənˈɡrætʃəleɪts/","/kənˈɡrætʃəleɪtɪd/","/kənˈɡrætʃəleɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to tell somebody that you are pleased about their success or achievements

In simple words: To tell someone that you are happy for their success.

Examples

  • I congratulated them all on their results.
  • The authors are to be congratulated on producing such a clear and authoritative work.
  • I must congratulate you on your excellent exam results.
  • Please join me in congratulating Luke on an outstanding season.
  • She congratulated me warmly on my performance.
  • The President himself is here to personally congratulate the winner.
  • The company is to be congratulated on its success.
  • The employees should be congratulated for the part they have played in the success.
  • You can congratulate yourself on having done an excellent job.
  • The organizers are congratulating themselves on attracting record numbers to the event.

Usage notes

Use this word when someone achieves something, like a birthday or a promotion. It's neutral and suitable for both formal and informal situations.

Grammar pattern

congratulate + object

Memory hint

Think of 'congratulate' as 'congrats to you'!

Collocations

  • heartily
  • warmly
  • personally
  • have to
  • must
  • want to
  • for
  • on
  • somebody is to be congratulated
  • to join somebody in congratulating somebody

Synonyms

  • commend
  • praise
  • acknowledge
  • salute

Antonyms

  • criticize
  • blame

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'congratulate' with 'compliment'
  • Using it without an object, like saying 'I congratulate' instead of 'I congratulate you'
  • Saying 'congratulations for' instead of the correct 'congratulations on'