CONGRATULATORY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does congratulatory mean? 

• CONGRATULATORY (adjective)
  The adjective CONGRATULATORY has 1 sense:

1. expressive of sympathetic pleasure or joy on account of someone's success or good fortune

  Familiarity information: CONGRATULATORY used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CONGRATULATORY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Expressive of sympathetic pleasure or joy on account of someone's success or good fortune

Synonyms:

congratulatory; gratulatory

Context example:

a gratulatory address

Similar:

felicitous (exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style)

Derivation:

congratulate (say something to someone that expresses praise)

congratulate (express congratulations)

congratulate (pride or congratulate (oneself) for an achievement)

congratulate (be proud of)

 Context examples 

Preparations were made for the event, congratulatory visits were received, and all wore a smiling appearance.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

And putting up her hand to screen her words from Emma—“A congratulatory visit, you know.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

The congratulatory letter which Elizabeth received from Lydia on her marriage, explained to her that, by his wife at least, if not by himself, such a hope was cherished.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Even the triumphant issue of his labours could not save him from reaction after so terrible an exertion, and at a time when Europe was ringing with his name and when his room was literally ankle-deep with congratulatory telegrams I found him a prey to the blackest depression.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The pretty Miss Mansfield has already received the congratulatory visits on her approaching marriage with a young Englishman, John Melbourne, Esq.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

Emma was gratified, and would soon have shewn no want of words, if the sound of Mrs. Elton's voice from the sitting-room had not checked her, and made it expedient to compress all her friendly and all her congratulatory sensations into a very, very earnest shake of the hand.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)