congratulate
UK/kәn'grætʃәleit/US
B1
Definitions
v.
To tell someone you are pleased about their success or good fortune.
祝贺；恭喜。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon-together, with
+
-ul-connector
+
-ateto make, having
=congratulate
con- (together with) + grat (pleasing, joy) + -ate (verb) = 'to share joy together with someone.' Latin congrātulārī meant rejoicing alongside another at their good fortune. To congratulate is to join in someone's happiness, not merely to be polite about it.
Root grat still carries 14 more wordsUsage Guide
- Pattern: congratulate someone ON something — 'on,' not 'for' (congratulate her on her promotion).
- Reflexive: congratulate yourself = feel quietly proud of your own success.
- The noun is usually plural: Congratulations! (a fixed exclamation).
Example Sentences
- 1.
I'd like to congratulate you on your new job.
- 2.
Everyone congratulated the couple on their engagement.
- 3.
She congratulated herself on a job well done.