CONGRATULATION

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

I. (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The act of acknowledging that someone has an occasion for celebration

Synonyms:

congratulation; felicitation

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("congratulation" is a kind of...):

speech act (the use of language to perform some act)

Derivation:

congratulate (express congratulations)

congratulate (pride or congratulate (oneself) for an achievement)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(usually plural) an expression of pleasure at the success or good fortune of another

Example:

I sent them my sincere congratulations on their marriage

Synonyms:

congratulation; felicitation

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("congratulation" is a kind of...):

expression; verbal expression; verbalism (the communication (in speech or writing) of your beliefs or opinions)

Domain usage:

plural; plural form (the form of a word that is used to denote more than one)

Derivation:

congratulate (say something to someone that expresses praise)

congratulate (express congratulations)

congratulate (be proud of)

Credits

Context examples:

It had been hoped that the proceedings would end there, and that a vote of thanks and congratulation, moved by Professor Sergius, of Upsala University, would be duly seconded and carried; but it was soon evident that the course of events was not destined to flow so smoothly.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

My dear Fanny,—for so I may now always call you, to the infinite relief of a tongue that has been stumbling at Miss Price for at least the last six weeks—I cannot let my brother go without sending you a few lines of general congratulation, and giving my most joyful consent and approval.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Wonder and self-congratulation, sir.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Mrs. Weston had, of course, formed a very favourable idea of the young man; and such a pleasing attention was an irresistible proof of his great good sense, and a most welcome addition to every source and every expression of congratulation which her marriage had already secured.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

Miss Crawford, on walking up with her brother to spend the evening at Mansfield Park, heard the good news; and though seeming to have no concern in the affair beyond politeness, and to have vented all her feelings in a quiet congratulation, heard it with an attention not so easily satisfied.