congratulations - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
congratulations Word Meanings
- an expression of joy at someone's success
- words or actions of praise or recognition
- a gesture of goodwill for achievements
congratulations Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- I want to give you my congratulation.
- Congratulations on your new job!
- Her congratulation made me very happy.
- He received a congratulation for winning the game.
- They sent a congratulation card to their friend.
congratulations Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kənˌɡrætʃʊˈleɪʃən/
US
/kənˌɡrædʒəˈleɪʃən/
congratulations Word Etymology
com- = together + gratulor = to congratulate; Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a group of friends coming together to celebrate someone's achievement with cheers.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Congratulation is the singular form of a common expression of good wishes for someone's success. In everyday use, English speakers almost always say congratulations (plural) or simply offer a warm “Congrats!” rather than “a congratulation.” The singular form exists mainly in formal or historic contexts, as in fixed phrases like “my congratulation on your achievement.” This word is tied to celebrations, cheers, and formal recognition, and it can pair with verbs like offer, send, or extend. When learners count on a noun instead of the more natural plural, native speakers may sound odd. Etymology-wise, it comes from com- (together) + gratulor (to congratulate), via Latin and Old French into English; the idea is a group gathering to celebrate together.
Usage Reminders
- Use plural 'congratulations' for most occasions
- Say 'congratulations on your [achievement]' or 'please accept my congratulations' for formal contexts
- 'Congrats' is casual; appropriate in friendly messages
- Avoid counting 'a congratulations' in normal speech
- Reserve singular 'congratulation' for rare, formal phrases like historical notes
- Remember the word’s festive, collective sense when imagining celebrations
Common Misconceptions
- Believing 'a congratulation' is common in modern English
- Thinking the singular form can replace 'congratulations' in all contexts
- Confusing 'congratulation' with 'congratulations' as an interchangeable plural
- Using 'a congratulation' to refer to the person who is congratulating
- Mistaking 'congratulatory' as a noun instead of an adjective
Thinking Differences
In English, the plural 'congratulations' is the normal form; the singular 'congratulation' sounds formal or old-fashioned and is rarely used today.
Learning Tips
- Learn the plural form 'congratulations' for most contexts
- Use 'congratulations on [X]' or 'please accept my congratulations' in writing
- Casual messages use 'Congrats!'
- Avoid saying 'a congratulation' in normal speech
- When describing a formal achievement, prefer 'my congratulations' rather than a plain 'congratulation'
- Remember the celebratory/collective sense behind the word
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'congratulations'?
A.Wishes for someone's success or good fortune
B.Expression of sympathy
C.escription of sadness
D.Expression of confusion
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'congratulations' used correctly?
A.ongratulations on your promotion!
B.He offered his condolences on her birthday.
C.I feel sorry for your achievement.
D.I'm puzzled about your graduation.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym for 'congratulations'?
A.Sympathy
B.ommiserations
C.Felicitations
D.ondolences
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what situation would you say 'congratulations'?
A.When someone achieves something
B.When someone is sad
C.When someone is confused
D.When someone is angry
Step 5: Mastery
Reflecting on the word 'congratulations,' when was the last time you used it or heard it being used?
A.uring a graduation ceremony
B.fter a successful job interview
C.t a friend's wedding
D.uring a sports event
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