gratulate

1 of 2

verb

grat·​u·​late ˈgra-chə-ˌlāt 

gratulated; gratulating; gratulates

transitive verb

archaic

: congratulate

gratulation

ˌgra-chə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

gratulatory

ˈgra-chə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

gratulation

2 of 2

noun

grat·​u·​la·​tion ˌgrachəˈlāshən 

plural -s

1

a

: gratification, satisfaction, pleasure

b

: expression of gratification (as by ceremonial rejoicings)

—usually used in plural

2

a

: congratulation

b

: words of congratulation : a congratulatory address

3

obsolete

a

: expression of gratitude : thanks

b

: reward

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin gratulatus, past participle of gratulari — more at congratulate

Noun

Middle English gratulacyon, from Latin gratulation-, gratulatio, from gratulatus + -ion-, -io -ion

First Known Use

Verb

1566, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gratulate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate