Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Expressing praise and approval for someone's achievement or good fortune: The word "congratulatory" describes something that conveys happiness, praise, or good wishes toward another person because of their success, good luck, or a happy event.

Usage

• "Congratulatory" is used to modify nouns, describing messages, gestures, or actions that offer congratulations.
• It is a formal adjective commonly used in written and spoken English for occasions like promotions, graduations, weddings, or awards.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She received a congratulatory email from her manager after winning the award.
  • The mayor gave a congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony.
  • His face wore a warm, congratulatory smile.

Advanced Usage

• "in a congratulatory tone": speaking with a voice that expresses praise or approval.
  • The principal announced the news in a congratulatory tone.
• "congratulatory remarks": comments made to praise someone's success.
  • He began his presentation with a few congratulatory remarks for the team.

Variants and Related Words

• Congratulate (verb): to express pleasure or praise to someone for their achievement or good fortune.
  • I called to congratulate her on her new job.
• Congratulations (noun, interjection): an expression of praise for an achievement; a word said to offer good wishes.
  • "Congratulations on your graduation!"
• Congratulant (adjective, rare): a less common synonym for congratulatory.

Synonyms

• Complimentary: expressing praise or admiration.
• Commendatory: formally praising or approving.
• Applauding: showing approval, especially by clapping; used figuratively to mean praising.

Antonyms

• Critical: expressing disapproval or pointing out faults.
• Condemnatory: expressing strong disapproval.
• Disparaging: expressing the opinion that something is of little worth.

Related Phrases

• A pat on the back: (idiom) an expression of praise or encouragement.
  • His report deserved a pat on the back.
• To toast someone: (phrase) to drink or wish someone good health or success in honor of them.
  • They toasted the newlyweds.

Adjective

1. expressive of sympathetic pleasure or joy on account of someone's success or good fortune
   • a congratulatory telegram
   • the usual congratulatory crowd was conspicuously absent
   • a gratulatory address