What is congratulate? Pronunciation and usage in English

congratulate means . Learn how to pronounce and use congratulate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of congratulate

congratulateverb

/kənˈɡrætʃəleɪt//kənˈɡrætʃəleɪt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "congratulate" in English. It's a bit of a tricky word! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few ways to approach it:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • con-grat-u-late – This is the key. Let's look at each part:
    • con: Like "cone" – a shape.
    • grat: Like "gratify" (but shorter) – think "grat" as in gratitude
    • u: Like the "oo" in "foot".
    • late: Like "late" – as in, delayed.

2. Putting it Together (Phonetic Transcription - closest approximation):

/kənˌɡrætʃuˈleɪt/

Let's break that down further:

  • kən: (Sounds like "kun") - The "n" is soft.
  • ɡræt: (Sounds like “grat”) – The 't' is silent.
  • chu: (Sounds like "choo") - Short "oo" sound.
  • ˈleɪt: (Sounds like “layt”) – The stress (the emphasis) is on this syllable.

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The most important thing is to put the emphasis on the last syllable ("late"). This is where many people stumble.
  • Silent 't': The 't' at the end of "grat" is silent. Don’t pronounce it.
  • Smooth Flow: Try to link the syllables smoothly together, rather than pronouncing each one distinctly. It should flow.

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some helpful resources:

  • Google Translate: Go to Google Translate and type in "congratulate." Click the speaker icon to hear a native speaker pronounce it. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • Forvo: Forvo is a website with pronunciations by native speakers. (https://forvo.com/word/congratulate/)
  • YouTube: Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce congratulate." You'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To summarize, focus on “kun-grat-choo-layt”, with the last syllable emphasized.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a particular part of the word (like the “grat” part)?

Usage and examples with the word congratulate in English

Let's break down how to use "congratulate" in English. It's a pretty straightforward word, but understanding its nuances will make you use it effectively.

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

  • Definition: To express pleasure and approval at someone's success, achievement, or good fortune. Basically, to say "well done!" or "that’s fantastic!"

  • Structure: You usually use "congratulate + person + on + achievement/event."

2. Common Phrases and Examples:

  • "Congratulations on your promotion!" (Expressing happiness about a job promotion)
  • "Congratulations on your wedding!" (Expressing happiness about a marriage)
  • "Congratulations on graduating!" (Expressing happiness about completing a degree)
  • "I want to congratulate you on winning the award." (More formal way of saying the same thing)
  • "Congratulations! You passed your exam!" (Simple and direct)
  • "She congratulated him on becoming a father." (Expressing happiness about a child)

3. Different Levels of Formality:

  • Informal: "Congrats!" (short for "congratulations") – Use with friends, family, and colleagues you’re close to.
  • Semi-Formal: "Congratulations" – A good all-around option for most situations.
  • Formal: "I would like to extend my congratulations..." – Use in business emails, official letters, or when speaking to someone you don't know well.

4. Variations & Related Words:

  • Congratulatory: An adjective meaning relating to congratulations (e.g., “These were very congratulatory remarks.”)
  • To express congratulations: This is a longer phrase that’s sometimes used, especially in formal writing.
  • "I'm thrilled for you!" and "That’s wonderful news!" are also ways to express congratulations, though they focus more on your feeling than the act of congratulating.

5. Important Points:

  • Be sincere: People can tell if you're not genuinely happy for them.
  • Personalize it (when possible): Instead of just saying "Congratulations," add a specific detail about why you’re happy for them. For instance, "Congratulations on the book! I know how much work you put into it."
  • Consider the context: The appropriate level of formality will depend on your relationship with the person and the situation.

Here’s a table to summarize:

Level of Formality Phrase Example
Informal Congrats! "Congrats on the new baby!"
Semi-Formal Congratulations “Congratulations on your new house!”
Formal I’d like to… “I’d like to extend my congratulations…”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing an email, speaking to a friend, etc.)
  • What specific situation are you trying to use “congratulate” in? (e.g., someone's birthday, a job promotion, an academic achievement?)

Synonyms for the word congratulate

Practice with vocabulary congratulate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After she successfully defended her dissertation, her supervisor made sure to ____________ her on her achievement.
  2. The CEO decided to ____________ the entire staff for their outstanding performance this quarter.
  3. The entire team gathered to ____________ their colleague on receiving the 'Employee of the Year' award.
  4. It is important to ____________ your appreciation when someone goes above and beyond to help you.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions demonstrates positive acknowledgment or praise for someone's success or achievement? a) Lament b) Congratulate c) Commiserate d) Applaud e) Condemn

  2. When a colleague receives a significant promotion, it is professional courtesy to ____________ them. a) console b) congratulate c) criticize d) commend e) compliment

  3. It is crucial to ____________ your gratitude clearly when someone provides valuable assistance. a) ignore b) convey c) express d) conceal e) disregard

  4. The manager decided to ____________ the team for their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout the challenging project. a) reprimand b) criticize c) commend d) denounce e) praise

  5. The board members decided to publicly ____________ the project manager for exceeding all expectations and delivering ahead of schedule. a) admonish b) congratulate c) rebuke d) scorn e) honor

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. I want to tell you how proud I am of your recent promotion. (Start with: I want to...)
  2. The company expressed its praise for the sales team's outstanding performance last quarter. (Start with: The company...)
  3. Her colleagues acknowledged her exceptional leadership skills during the crisis. (Start with: Her colleagues...)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. congratulate
  2. commend (or recognize)
  3. congratulate
  4. express (or convey)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Congratulate, d) Applaud
  2. b) congratulate, d) commend, e) compliment
  3. b) convey, c) express
  4. c) commend, e) praise
  5. b) congratulate, e) honor

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. I want to congratulate you on your recent promotion.
  2. The company congratulated the sales team on their outstanding performance last quarter.
  3. Her colleagues commended her exceptional leadership skills during the crisis.

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