felicitation

IPA/fˌɛlɪsɪtˈeɪʃən/
IPA/fˌɛlɪsɪtˈeɪʃən/

felicitation — noun

1. a formal expression of pleasure and good wishes for someone's success or another

1.nounC2
Definition

a formal expression of pleasure and good wishes for someone's success or another happy occasion

Example

A short felicitation from the dean opened the graduation banquet.

singular countable use: a felicitation

The mayor sent felicitations to the bakery on its hundredth anniversary.

send felicitations to [person/group] on [occasion]

Common collocations
  • offer felicitations
  • send felicitations
  • warm felicitations
  • heartfelt felicitations
Synonyms
  • congratulations

    the normal everyday word; far more common and less formal

  • good wishes

    broader and warmer, but less specifically tied to success or celebration

Grammar Patterns

offer felicitations to [person]

send felicitations on [occasion]

Usage Note

Usually plural in formal speeches, letters, and cards. In everyday conversation, people normally say 'congratulations' instead.

Common Mistakes

Everyone said felicitation to Mira after the concert.
Everyone offered felicitations to Mira after the concert.
This noun is usually used in formal phrases such as 'offer felicitations', and the plural form is more common.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Felicitation' is a very formal word for expressing pleasure at someone's success or another happy event. 'Congratulations' is the usual everyday choice and sounds natural in speech, cards, and quick messages. 'Good wishes' is broader: it can be used for birthdays, travel, or recovery, even when no achievement is involved. 'Compliments' can mean polite praise, but it does not usually focus on a happy occasion in the same way. Use 'felicitation' mainly in ceremonial, literary, or official contexts.

congratulations ↗good wishescompliments ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • offer felicitations
  • send felicitations
  • extend felicitations
  • words of felicitation

Prepositions