congratulate

To tell someone you are pleased about something they have achieved.

• We congratulated the winner.
• Her teacher congratulated her on her progress.
• Did you congratulate him on getting the job?

How to use it: congratulate someone on something (I congratulated her on passing the exam.)

Common phrases: congratulate someone, congratulate the winner, congratulate someone on something

To tell someone you are happy about a good event in their life.

• We congratulated the happy couple.
• Everyone congratulated Tom on his engagement.
• I called to congratulate her on her wonderful news.

How to use it: congratulate someone on something (They congratulated us on the birth of our daughter.)

Similar words: felicitate, compliment

Common phrases: congratulate the couple, congratulate someone on something

To feel pleased with yourself because something has gone well for you.

• I congratulated myself on my good luck.
• She congratulated herself on avoiding the traffic.
• They were congratulating themselves when the next problem appeared.

How to use it: congratulate oneself on something (He congratulated himself on choosing the quiet train.)

Similar words: pat oneself on the back

Common phrases: congratulate oneself, congratulate oneself on something