Celebrate

Definition

Celebrate is a verb that means to acknowledge or honor an occasion, event, or achievement with festivities, ceremonies, or joyful activities. It can also refer to publicly praising or commemorating something.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛləˌbreɪt/
• Respelling: SEL-uh-brayt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛləˌbreɪt/
• Respelling: SEL-uh-brayt

Etymology

The word "celebrate" originates from the Latin "celebrare," meaning "to assemble to honor," which in turn comes from "celeber," meaning "frequented or populous." The term has evolved to encompass activities of honoring or joyfully marking special events.

Derivatives

• Celebration (noun)
• Celebratory (adjective)
• Celebrant (noun)
• Celebrated (adjective)
• Celebrity (noun)

Synonyms

• Commemorate
• Honor
• Rejoice

Antonyms

• Ignore
• Disregard
• Condemn

Usage

The term "celebrate" is commonly used in contexts involving festivities or public acknowledgment of achievements, events, or holidays. For example, "They celebrated their anniversary with a dinner," or "The country celebrates Independence Day each year."

Related Terms

• Commemorate: To honor the memory of an event or person.
• Festivity: Activities or celebrations associated with a joyful occasion.
• Observe: To mark an event or occasion in a solemn or respectful manner.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To observe or mark a special occasion with activities of joy and honor: Refers to the act of holding festivities or ceremonies to commemorate an event.
  • Example: "The community gathered to celebrate the festival with dancing and feasting."
• To publicly praise or acknowledge: Can mean to express admiration or give recognition to something or someone.
  • Example: "The movie celebrates the resilience of the human spirit."