congratulation
UK[kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃən]US[kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃən]
n
an expression of pleasure and praise for someone's success or good fortune.
n
(congratulations) words expressing praise for an achievement or good wishes on a special occasion.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
gratul
ation
con
together, with
gratul
pleasing, thankful
ation
Etymology
The word "congratulation" originates from the latin verb 'congratulari', meaning "to wish joy." This verb itself is a composite of the prefix 'con-' (together) and the root 'gratulari' (to show joy, to give thanks), which derives from 'gratus' (pleasing, thankful). The core concept is thus a communal expression of shared pleasure and goodwill towards another's fortune. Entering english in the late 15th century, it evolved from the act of expressing joy to the specific expression itself, formalized by the noun-forming suffix '-ation'. The modern sense retains this original logic of collectively acknowledging and celebrating a favorable event in someone's life.
Analysis
Structure: con + gratul + ation
con- (latin origin, prefix meaning "together, with")
gratul (latin origin, root from 'gratus' meaning "pleasing, thankful")
-ation (latin origin, suffix forming nouns of action or state)
Examples
she received many cards and messages of congratulation on her promotion.
congratulations on the birth of your daughter!
he offered his warmest congratulations to the winning team.