gratulation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowArchaic / Formal / Literary / Jocular (when used self-consciously)
Quick answer
What does “gratulation” mean?
The action of expressing joy, pleasure, or approval for someone's success or good fortune.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of expressing joy, pleasure, or approval for someone's success or good fortune; congratulation.
In contemporary usage, it is almost entirely an archaic or formal poetic/solemn equivalent of 'congratulation'. It can also rarely refer to the state of being congratulated or the feeling of shared joy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No substantive difference in meaning. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British contexts due to a stronger tradition of archaic/historical language in literature, but remains extremely rare in both.
Connotations
Archaism, formality, sometimes mock-seriousness.
Frequency
Virtually never used in everyday speech or modern formal writing in favor of 'congratulation'.
Grammar
How to Use “gratulation” in a Sentence
N + on + NP (gratulation on his victory)N + to + NP (gratulation to the winner)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gratulation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Archaic: They did gratulate him upon his safe return.
American English
- Archaic: The citizens gratulated the president on the treaty.
adverb
British English
- None in use.
American English
- None in use.
adjective
British English
- Archaic: He received gratulatory messages from afar.
American English
- Archaic: The gratulatory address lasted an hour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical texts or analyses of archaic language.
Everyday
Not used. Would be perceived as odd or pretentious.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gratulation”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gratulation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gratulation”
- Using 'gratulation' in modern, neutral contexts.
- Creating a verb 'to gratulate' instead of 'to congratulate'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a historically valid word meaning 'congratulation', but it is now considered archaic and is almost never used in contemporary English.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Gratulation' is simply the older, now obsolete form. 'Congratulation' (with the 'con-' prefix) became standard in modern English.
Only if you are deliberately aiming for an archaic or poetic style, or are quoting a historical source. In all other cases, use 'congratulation' to avoid sounding affected or making an error.
'To gratulate' is the equally archaic verb form corresponding to 'to congratulate'. It is not used in modern English and may be marked as an error if used.
The action of expressing joy, pleasure, or approval for someone's success or good fortune.
Gratulation is usually archaic / formal / literary / jocular (when used self-consciously) in register.
Gratulation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡrætʃʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None standard. Archaic phrasing: 'a matter for gratulation'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GRATUlation' sharing its root with 'GRATitude'—both involve a positive, thankful feeling towards an event or person.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOY IS A COMMODITY TO BE OFFERED (offering gratulation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'gratulation' be most appropriately used today?