Definition

Noun: 1. The action of marking one's pleasure at an important event or occasion by engaging in enjoyable, typically social, activity. This is the most common meaning, referring to the act of observing a happy event with festivities. 2. A social gathering or enjoyable activity held to mark such an event. In this sense, it refers to the event or party itself. 3. (Formal) The action of performing a religious or formal ceremony with its proper rituals.

Examples

• As the action of marking an event:
  • The whole city joined in the celebration of the national holiday.
  • We are planning a quiet celebration for her promotion.
• As the event/party itself:
  • The wedding celebration lasted all weekend.
  • After the final exam, we went out for a small celebration.
• As the formal performance of a ceremony:
  • The celebration of the Mass is central to their faith.

Advanced Usage

• "In celebration of": This phrase is used to indicate the reason for the festivities.
  • A concert was held in celebration of the composer's centenary.
• "A cause for celebration": This idiom means a reason to be happy and celebrate.
  • Your recovery is a cause for celebration.

Variants and Related Words

• Celebrate (verb): To observe a notable occasion with festivities; to perform a ceremony.
  • We will celebrate our anniversary next week.
• Celebratory (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a celebration.
  • The mood was celebratory after the victory.
• Celebrant (noun): A person who performs a rite, especially a priest at the Eucharist, or a person who is celebrating.
  • The main celebrant led the ceremony.

Synonyms

• Festivity: Joyful events or activities, often plural (e.g., wedding ).
• Commemoration: The act of remembering and showing respect for someone or something, often more solemn.
• Observance: The action of fulfilling or celebrating a ritual, festival, or law.
• Party: A social gathering for pleasure.

Related Phrases

• A celebration of life: A ceremony that focuses on joyfully remembering and honoring a person who has died, rather than mourning.
  • Instead of a traditional funeral, they requested a celebration of life.

Noun

1. the public performance of a sacrament or solemn ceremony with all appropriate ritual
   • the celebration of marriage
2. any joyous diversion
3. a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event