Congratulation vs. Gratulation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 27, 2023
Congratulation is an expression of pleasure at someone's success. Gratulation is an archaic or formal term for congratulation.
Key Differences
Congratulation is commonly used in modern English to express joy or acknowledgment of someone's achievement or good fortune. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts. Gratulation, while similar in meaning, is less commonly used and is considered more formal or archaic.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
The word Congratulation can be used both as a noun and in its plural form 'congratulations'. It's a versatile term suitable for various occasions, from personal achievements to professional milestones. Gratulation, on the other hand, is rarely used in everyday conversation and is often found in older texts or in a more ceremonial context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Congratulation is often used in social interactions, such as greeting cards, speeches, and casual conversations, reflecting a widely accepted and understood expression. Gratulation might appear more in literary or historical contexts, reflecting its formal and less common usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
In expressions, Congratulation is frequently accompanied by 'on', like "congratulations on your new job". This structure highlights the specific achievement. Gratulation, while similar in structure, might sound outdated or overly formal in the same contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Congratulation is part of everyday language, easily recognized and used by people of all ages. Gratulation, while understood, is less likely to be used in daily conversation, being more typical of ceremonial speeches or literary works.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Typical Setting
Social interactions, casual and formal events
Literary, historical, or ceremonial contexts
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
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Congratulation and Gratulation Definitions
Gratulation
Formal Praise
A gratulation was given by the dean during the ceremony.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Congratulation
Expression of Joy
Her congratulation on their wedding was heartfelt.
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Dec 27, 2023
Gratulation
Historical Congratulation
In the letter, a formal gratulation was extended.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Congratulation
Formal Recognition
The award came with a congratulation from the CEO.
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Dec 27, 2023
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Gratulation
Ceremonial Acknowledgment
The king’s gratulation added prestige to the event.
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Dec 27, 2023
Congratulation
Acknowledgment of Achievement
The boss’s congratulation boosted his morale.
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Dec 27, 2023
Gratulation
Literary Expression
The novel ended with a gratulation to the hero.
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Dec 27, 2023
Congratulation
Commendation
His congratulation was a sign of true sportsmanship.
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Dec 27, 2023
Gratulation
Archaic Celebration
A gratulation was offered in the ancient text.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Congratulation
The act of expressing joy or acknowledgment, as for the achievement or good fortune of another.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Congratulation
Often congratulations An expression of such joy or acknowledgment
Sent him my congratulations on winning the award.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Gratulation
A feeling of happiness and satisfaction; joy, especially at one's good fortune.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Congratulation
Used to express such joy or acknowledgment
I heard you got a promotion. Congratulations!.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Gratulation
(archaic) The expression of pleasure at someone else's success or luck; congratulation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Gratulation
The act of gratulating or felicitating; congratulation.
I shall turn my wishes into gratulations.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Congratulation
The act of congratulating; an expression of sympathetic pleasure.
With infinite congratulations for our safe arrival.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Congratulation
The act of acknowledging that someone has an occasion for celebration
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Congratulation
(usually plural) an expression of pleasure at the success or good fortune of another;
I sent them my sincere congratulations on their marriage
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "Gratulation" be used in formal letters?
It can be, but it's uncommon and may sound old-fashioned.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Are "Congratulation" cards popular?
Yes, they are a common way to express good wishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Can "Congratulation" be informal?
Yes, it's used in both formal and informal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Are "Congratulation" messages popular?
Yes, especially for personal achievements.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is "gratulation" a noun or a verb?
"Gratulation" is a noun, like "congratulation."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is "Gratulation" found in everyday speech?
Rarely, it's more formal and less common.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
When might you use "gratulation" in a sentence?
You might use "gratulation" in formal or literary contexts to convey congratulations or good wishes to someone, but it is not commonly used in everyday speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Do "Congratulation" and "Gratulation" have the same meaning?
Essentially yes, but they differ in usage and context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is "Gratulation" appropriate for casual use?
It's typically too formal for casual settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Are there any idiomatic expressions using "gratulation"?
There are no common idiomatic expressions specifically using "gratulation." It is primarily used to convey congratulations in a formal or old-fashioned manner.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Can "gratulation" be used in a negative context?
While "gratulation" primarily conveys positive sentiments, it can be used sarcastically in a negative context, similar to "congratulations."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
How do you spell "congratulation" correctly?
The correct spelling is "congratulation," with one "t."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Are there any regional variations in the use of "gratulation"?
"Gratulation" is not associated with specific regional variations but is generally less used in modern English worldwide.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Can "congratulation" be used as a verb?
No, "congratulation" is a noun, and you would typically use verbs like "congratulate" or "congratulating" when expressing well-wishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is "gratulation" more commonly used in British or American English?
"Gratulation" is not commonly used in either British or American English, and it is considered somewhat archaic in both dialects.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is "Gratulation" used in modern literature?
It's rare and might be used for a specific stylistic effect.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is "gratulation" a word commonly used in literature or historical texts?
Yes, "gratulation" may appear in older literature and historical texts, but it is rarely used in contemporary writing or speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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