[con.grat.u.late] vt -lat.ed ; -lat.ing [L congratulatus, pp. of congratulari to wish joy, fr. com- + gratulari to wish joy, fr. gratus pleasing--more at grace] (1539) 1 archaic: to express sympathetic pleasure at (an event)
2: to express vicarious pleasure to (a person) on the occasion of success or good fortune; also: to feel pleased with "congratulating herself for a job well done" 3 obs: salute, greet -- con.grat.u.la.tor n -- con.grat.u.la.to.ry adj