To mark something welcome or meaningful with pleasure, recognition, or ceremony.
Reach for it when recognizing success, effort, identity, or a shared occasion in an affirmative way
The neighborhood will celebrate the garden's first harvest with a free supper.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
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| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
playful
Fits when a brief social tribute fits
Careful A school or workplace may celebrate appropriately without a toast.
everyday
Fits when vocal approval of an achievement is intended
Careful Applause is one response and does not itself create a celebration.
professional
Fits when acknowledgment should be restrained and inclusive
Careful Recognition can be procedural and emotionally neutral.
formal
commemorate
Fits when preserving the memory of an event or person is central
Careful Commemoration often looks backward and can mark painful history.
formal
Fits when respect and recognition matter more than festivity
Careful Honor can be solemn and may contain little visible joy.
literary
rejoice in
Fits when heartfelt happiness about the result is the focus
Careful Rejoicing need not involve public recognition or an event.
celebrate success
The mentor reminded the apprentices to celebrate success before choosing the next goal.
celebrate together
After months apart, the choir could finally celebrate together.
reason to celebrate
The return of clean water gave the village reason to celebrate.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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