celebrate
- 01 A2 Elementary
to do something fun because it is a special day or something good happened.
to mark a special day or event with social activities, festivities, or gifts.
Simple“We are going to celebrate his graduation by having a big dinner with the whole family.”
In context“The city plans to celebrate the centenary of its founding with a series of parades and public concerts throughout the summer.”
UsageOften used with 'by' to describe the activity, such as 'celebrate by going out'.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to praise someone or something publicly.
to extol, honour, or publicise the merits of a person, work, or achievement.
Simple“The book celebrates the lives of ordinary people living in the countryside.”
In context“The exhibition celebrates the career of the avant-garde architect, highlighting her influence on modern urban planning.”
UsageCommonly used in the passive voice, as in 'a much-celebrated author'.
Teacher's tipIn this context, it is more about recognition and respect than having a party.
- 03 C1 Advanced
to lead or take part in a formal religious ceremony.
to perform or participate in a religious sacrament or solemn rite with the required ritual.
Simple“The priest will celebrate the morning service at ten o'clock.”
In context“The bishop travelled to the remote parish to celebrate the Eucharist and meet with the local congregation.”
UsageOften used transitively with 'Mass' or 'the Eucharist' as the object.
Teacher's tipThis is a technical term for the actions of a priest or minister during a service.
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.