ENGLISH
REFERENCE

celebrating

v.
A2 Elementary US //ˈsɛɫəˌbɹeɪtɪŋ// UK //sˈɛləbɹˌeɪtɪŋ// cel·e·brat·ing

v. to do something special for an important event or holiday. You might have a party, eat a big meal, or give gifts to show you are happy about the day.

v. to mark a social occasion, holiday, or personal milestone with festivities or public praise. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the event or person being honoured.


SIMPLE

We are celebrating my birthday tonight.

CONTEXTUAL

The entire city is celebrating the team's victory with a parade through the main square this afternoon.

COMPLEX

While some cultures mark the new year with quiet reflection, others prefer celebrating with loud fireworks and large public gatherings to drive away the misfortunes of the previous twelve months.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

Pitfall

We are celebrating for his graduationWe are celebrating his graduationCelebrate is a transitive verb; you celebrate the event directly without using the preposition 'for'.

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