congratulate
B2Neutral to formal. More formal than synonyms like "say well done" or "give props" (slang).
Definition
Meaning
To express pleasure and approval to someone for their achievement or good fortune.
To feel or express satisfaction and pride in one's own achievements, often used reflexively. Can also refer to formally acknowledging an occasion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb focuses on the act of expressing the sentiment. It differs from "celebrate," which focuses on the event itself. Often implies a degree of formality or official recognition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. UK English may be slightly more likely to use the formal "offer one's congratulations."
Connotations
Similar connotations of politeness and recognition in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SVO] congratulate sb[SVOO] congratulate sb on/for sth[SVOA] congratulate sb sincerely on their promotionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “congratulate oneself (on something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal emails and announcements (e.g., 'The board congratulates the team on exceeding targets.').
Academic
Used in acknowledgements and formal addresses (e.g., 'I congratulate the authors on their rigorous methodology.').
Everyday
Common for personal milestones like birthdays, weddings, job promotions, and exam results.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields except in meta-commentary.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I must congratulate you on your brilliant A-level results.
- The Prime Minister congratulated the team on their victory.
American English
- Let me congratulate you on your promotion at the firm.
- The President congratulated the nation on the anniversary of its independence.
adverb
British English
- She smiled congratulatorily as he accepted the award.
- He patted my back congratulatorily.
American English
- The manager spoke congratulatorily of the team's effort.
- She nodded congratulatorily from across the room.
adjective
British English
- He received a congratulatory card from the whole office.
- Her tone was warmly congratulatory.
American English
- A congratulatory email was sent to all employees.
- The article was more congratulatory than critical.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I congratulate you!
- My mum congratulated me.
- We congratulated Sarah on passing her driving test.
- The teacher congratulated the class on their hard work.
- The CEO personally congratulated the staff on the project's success.
- Allow me to congratulate you on your recent appointment to the committee.
- While I congratulate the minister on her initiative, I must question the underlying assumptions of the policy.
- He allowed himself a moment to congratulate himself on having navigated the complex negotiations so adeptly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a crowd GRADUATING. You CON-gratulate the GRADUATES. The 'grat' part is like 'gratitude' — you show gratitude for their success.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACKNOWLEDGMENT IS A GIFT (e.g., 'offer congratulations'), SUCCESS IS AN ASCENT (congratulating someone on 'reaching' a goal).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from Russian 'поздравлять с' which can also mean 'to wish (on a holiday).' In English, you 'congratulate on an achievement' but 'wish someone a Happy Birthday/Merry Christmas.'
- Don't confuse with 'celebrate' (праздновать). You congratulate a person; you celebrate an event.
Common Mistakes
- *I congratulate you for your new job. (Correct: on your new job)
- *She was congratulated by her success. (Correct: on her success)
- Using 'congratulations' as a verb (*I congratulations you).
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition most commonly follows 'congratulate'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Congratulate' is a verb. 'Congratulations' is a plural noun (often used as an interjection). You SAY 'Congratulations!' to someone, or you CONGRATULATE them.
No, it is exclusively for positive achievements or good fortune. For negative events, use 'commiserate with' or 'offer condolences.'
'Congratulate on' is the standard, more frequent collocation. 'Congratulate for' is sometimes used, particularly in US English, but 'on' is preferred and safer for learners.
The stress is on the second syllable: con-GRAT-u-late. The 't' can sound like a 'ch' (/tʃ/) in both UK and US English: /kənˈɡrætʃ.ə.leɪt/.