congratulations
Congratulations (intj) means used to express praise and happiness for someone's achievement or good news. Example: “Congratulations on the new job!" she said with a big smile.”
How to Use Congratulations
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat you say to someone when something good has happened to them.
Always plural in this exclamation, even though you're addressing one person: "Congratulations!" not "Congratulation!"
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"_____ on the new job!" she said with a big smile.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for congratulations
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “congratulations” mean?
The word “congratulations” means used to express praise and happiness for someone's achievement or good news. In plain terms, what you say to someone when something good has happened to them.
How do you pronounce “congratulations”?
“Congratulations” is pronounced kuhn-grachuh-LAYSHNZ (/kənˌɡɹæt͡ʃəˈleɪʃ(ə)nz/ in IPA).
How do you use “congratulations” in a sentence?
Here is “congratulations” used in a sentence: “"Congratulations on the new job!" she said with a big smile.”
What part of speech is “congratulations”?
“Congratulations” is an intj.
Is “congratulations” a common word?
“Congratulations” is a fairly common word in modern English.
When do you say congratulations?
You say congratulations to praise someone and share their happiness over an achievement or good news — passing an exam, getting a job, an engagement, a new baby, or winning something. It marks a positive milestone the person has earned or received, expressing that you are pleased for them.
What is the difference between congratulations and good luck?
Congratulations celebrates something that has already happened — a success or piece of good news. Good luck is said before an event, wishing someone well for a challenge still ahead. One looks back at an achievement with praise; the other looks forward with hope and encouragement.
Is it congratulations or congratulation?
As an expression of praise, the correct form is the plural 'congratulations', always with an 's'. The singular 'congratulation' exists but is rarely used and sounds unnatural. When congratulating someone directly, say 'Congratulations!' — the plural form is the standard interjection in everyday English.
What can I say instead of congratulations?
Warm alternatives include 'well done', 'nice work', 'way to go', 'kudos', and 'bravo'. More heartfelt options are 'I'm so happy for you' or 'you deserve it'. Each shares praise and pleasure for someone's success, though 'congratulations' remains the most versatile and widely understood choice.
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