Congratulations is a noun used to express praise or good wishes on a notable achievement or event. It is often spoken as a social formula, carrying warmth and celebration, and can function as an interjection in informal contexts. The word emphasizes shared joy and recognition, typically delivered with rising intonation on the final syllables in casual speech.
"We all gathered to say congratulations to the new graduates."
"She sent a card with 'Congratulations!' written in glittering letters."
"Congratulations on your promotion—well deserved!"
"He paused to offer his heartfelt congratulations before the award ceremony started."
Congratulations comes from the Latin plural noun felicitatio(n-), built from felix ‘happy, fortunate’ and facere ‘to make, to do.’ In Medieval Latin, felicitation-, from felicitas ‘happiness,’ broadened in usage to mean ‘the act of expressing joy or praise.’ The English form emerged in the 16th–17th centuries via French influences, aligning with other celebratory phrases that mark social acknowledgment (for example, felicitations) and eventually narrowing to the verb-noun pair we use today. The modern expression took on a conventional social function as a formulaic expression exchanged in ceremonies, milestones, and everyday achievements, often accompanied by a warm tone and raised intonation. The term’s evolution mirrors social etiquette around praise, value judgment, and communal celebration, becoming a standard, almost ritual, utterance in celebratory discourse. First known uses appear in Early Modern English, with parallels to earlier Latin-root phrases in religious and civic ceremonies, where praising a person’s success or fortune became customary. Over time, the form shifted from a more formal “felicitation” to the streamlined “congratulations,” reflecting changes in formality and pragmatic speech patterns. Today, it spans formal awards contexts to casual greetings among friends and family, preserving its core meaning of shared joy and acknowledgment of achievement.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Congratulations" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Congratulations"
-ion sounds
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Pronounced kənˌɡrætʃ.əˈleɪ.ʃən (US/UK/AU share the same core rhythm). The primary stress lands on the third syllable: gra-TCHU-lo? Actually: con-GRAT-u-LA-tions; break into four parts: kon-GRAT-chuh-LAY-shun, with secondary stress on the second syllable and the final syllable reduced. Start with a light initial /k/ then /ən/ as a reduced syllable, then /ˈɡræt/ on the stressed syllable, followed by /t͡ʃ/ (the ‘ch’), a schwa, and a final /ən/. You’ll hear the “lay” as a clear diphthong in many accents. Audio reference: consult standard dictionaries or Pronounce resources for {kənˌɡrætʃ.əˈleɪ.ʃən}.” ,
Common errors include flattening 'grat' into a dull /græt/ without the proper palatal onset of /t͡ʃ/ (the 'ch' sound should be /tʃ/ after /æ/). Another mistake is misplacing the primary stress, often stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., con-GRAT-chuh-LAY-shun vs. con-grat-CHU-la-tions). Some speakers also reduce the final syllable too much, saying /ən/ as a quick /n/ or /ən/ rather than a proper schwa + n. To fix: emphasize the /ˈɡræt/ chunk, articulate /t͡ʃ/ clearly, and allow a light, unstressed final /ən/.”,
In US, UK, and AU, primary stress remains on the /ˈɡræt/ segment, but vowel qualities differ: US often features a somewhat flatter /æ/ in /ˈɡræt/, UK and AU may show a slightly longer front vowel. Rhoticity can affect preceding vowels in connected speech, with US speakers maintaining /ə/ in the second syllable more distinctly. The final /ən/ can reduce differently: US may have a weaker, more centralized /ən/, UK/AU may retain more vowel quality. Overall, the rhythm is similar, but the quality of /æ/ vs. /æ/ and the degree of linking with /t͡ʃ/ can differ slightly.”,
Two challenging parts are the /t͡ʃ/ onset and the multi-syllabic stress pattern. The /t͡ʃ/ must follow a stressed /æ/ vowel, which can be tricky if your language lacks a similar palatal sound. Additionally, the word has a four-syllable rhythm with shifting primary stress; beginners often place stress too early or too late, which disrupts natural cadence. The trailing /ən/ in non-native speech can blur into a neutral vowel, weakening the word’s celebratory punch. Practice by isolating /ˈɡræt/ and then timing the rest so the final syllables land cleanly.”,
A distinctive feature is the 'gra-' cluster: the /gr/ followed by an immediate /æt/ creates an anti-clog where the tongue must transition quickly from velar to alveolar. The /t͡ʃ/ follows the /æ/ vowel; ensuring a crisp /t͡ʃ/ without diluting the preceding vowel is key. Additionally, the suffix '-tions' or '-tɪənz' in some dialects blends toward an /-əˈleɪ.ʃən/ pattern; handling the weak reduplication of the '-l eɪ ʃən' portion is essential for naturalness.”,
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