gratulari

Gratulari is a Latin verb classified as deponent, meaning to express congratulations or good wishes. It appears in classical and Late Latin texts and denotes the act of offering congratulations on another person’s achievement, success, or a joyful occasion. As a deponent verb, gratulari has passive morphology but active meaning in usage.

Etymology and class: the form derives from the Latin root grat- meaning “pleasing” or “thankful,” related to gratia and gratificare. It belongs to a small group of -ari verbs that are deponent, with the infinitive gratulari and participial forms such as gratulatus sum.

Morphology and usage: in Latin grammars gratulari is treated as a typical deponent of the -ari family. The principal parts are usually presented as gratulari (present infinitive) and gratulatus sum (perfect). The verb is used to convey congratulations on a particular occasion, often in ceremonial or formal contexts such as speeches, letters, or prayers. It can be accompanied by phrases indicating the occasion and, in some witnesses, reference to the person being congratulated.

Relation to other terms: gratulari is primarily of interest to scholars of Latin; its semantic field overlaps with related concepts such as congratulations and well-wishing. In modern contexts, the English verb “gratulate” survives in limited or archaic usage, with “congratulate” being the standard modern choice.

See also: Congratulation; Latin grammar; Gratitude.