What does "celebrate" mean?

1. (to have a party or event) to do something fun because it is a special day or something good happened. 2. (to praise or honour) to praise someone or something publicly. 3. (to perform a religious rite) to lead or take part in a formal religious ceremony.

How do you use "celebrate"?

Often used with 'by' to describe the activity, such as 'celebrate by going out'. Commonly used in the passive voice, as in 'a much-celebrated author'. Often used transitively with 'Mass' or 'the Eucharist' as the object.

celebrate

US //ˈsɛɫəˌbɹeɪt// UK //sˈɛləbɹˌeɪt// cel·e·brate

1 to have a party or event (v.)
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.

Example

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

Example

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'.
- ignore
- overlook
2 to praise or honour (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

to praise someone or something publicly.

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

Example

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

Example

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'.

Teacher's tip

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

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3 to perform a religious rite (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Religion

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.

Example

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

Example

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.

Teacher's tip

This is a technical term for the actions of a priest or minister during a service.
- officiate
- perform
- observe

Origin

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.