English Reference

Word

celebrate

Phoneticscel·e·brate, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈsɛɫəˌbɹeɪt/

UK/sˈɛləbɹˌeɪt/

Definitions

01to have a party or event

A2 · Elementary

v. to do something fun because it is a special day or something good happened.

v. to mark a special day or event with social activities, festivities, or gifts.

“We are going to celebrate his graduation by having a big dinner with the whole family.”

“The city plans to celebrate the centenary of its founding with a series of parades and public concerts throughout the summer.”

Usage

Often used with 'by' to describe the activity, such as 'celebrate by going out'.

Synonyms

rejoicepartycommemorate

Antonyms

ignoreoverlook

02to praise or honour

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

v. to praise someone or something publicly.

v. to extol, honour, or publicise the merits of a person, work, or achievement.

“The book celebrates the lives of ordinary people living in the countryside.”

“The exhibition celebrates the career of the avant-garde architect, highlighting her influence on modern urban planning.”

Usage

Commonly used in the passive voice, as in 'a much-celebrated author'.

Teaching tip

In this context, it is more about recognition and respect than having a party.

Synonyms

praiseextolhonour

Antonyms

criticisecondemn

03to perform a religious rite

C1 · Advanced Religion Formal

v. to lead or take part in a formal religious ceremony.

v. to perform or participate in a religious sacrament or solemn rite with the required ritual.

“The priest will celebrate the morning service at ten o'clock.”

“The bishop travelled to the remote parish to celebrate the Eucharist and meet with the local congregation.”

Usage

Often used transitively with 'Mass' or 'the Eucharist' as the object.

Teaching tip

This is a technical term for the actions of a priest or minister during a service.

Synonyms

officiateperformobserve

Etymology

From Middle English celebraten, from celebrat(e) (“celebrated”, also used as the past participle of celebraten) + -en, borrowed from Latin celebrātus, perfect passive participle of celebrō (“frequent, go to in great numbers, celebrate, honor, praise”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from celeber (“frequented, populous”). Displaced native Old English fæġnian.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

celebrate(A2)

NOUN

ADJECTIVE

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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