# congratulations

/kənˌɡɹætʃəˈɫeɪʃənz/ (US) · /kənɡɹˈætʃʊlˈeɪʃənz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/congratulations
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. praise for success

noun · CEFR A2

the act of telling someone you are happy for their success or good luck.

For teachers: the act of expressing pleasure at the success or good fortune of another person.

- The whole team sent their congratulations to the manager on her promotion.
- The university president offered his warmest congratulations to the graduating class during the commencement ceremony.

Usage: Usually plural when referring to the message or sentiment sent to someone.

### 2. well done

interjection · CEFR A2

a word you say to someone to celebrate their achievement.

For teachers: an exclamation used to express praise for an achievement or to celebrate a happy event.

- Congratulations on your new job, you worked so hard for it.
- Congratulations on the publication of your first novel; it is a remarkable achievement for such a young writer.

Usage: Often shortened to 'congrats' in informal speech and writing.

## Examples

- Congratulations on passing your driving test.
- The team received many messages of congratulations after winning the championship game last night.
- While a simple note of congratulations is standard, a handwritten letter often conveys a deeper level of sincerity when acknowledging a colleague's promotion to a senior leadership role.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.