Reading Theme:
How to Use Celebrate: Meaning, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：have a festive event (celebrate)
celebrate
/ˈsɛl.ə.breɪt/
v.
to have a party or special event to show happiness about something good or special that has happened.
have a festive event
➕
/hæv ə ˈfɛstɪv ɪˈvɛnt/
v.
To organize or participate in a joyful gathering or activity to mark a happy occasion or achievement.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Latin 'celebrare', meaning 'to honor' or 'to frequent', from 'celeber' (frequent, populous).
💡 Mnemonic
Link 'celebrate' to 'celebrity' – both involve being honored or famous, but 'celebrate' focuses on the act of making something special with joy or praise.
📖 Example
We will celebrate our team's victory with a big dinner and music.
We will mark our team's victory by having a large dinner with music.
🔗 Collocations
celebrate a birthday – to have a party on the anniversary of one's birth
celebrate success – to hold an event to acknowledge an achievement
🔄 Synonyms
commemorate (v.) – to do something special to remember an important event
observe (v.) – to celebrate or acknowledge a day or event
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
celebration (n.) – a joyful occasion for special festivities
celebratory (adj.) – relating to or expressing celebration
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'celebrate' originates from Latin 'celebrare', meaning 'to honor publicly'. It entered English via Old French 'celebrer' in the late 15th century, initially used for religious ceremonies and public festivities, later broadening to include expressions of praise and joyful events.
Meaning 2：praise publicly (celebrate)
celebrate
/ˈsɛl.ə.breɪt/
v.
to speak or write words that show you admire or honor someone or something for their good qualities.
praise publicly
➕
/preɪz ˈpʌblɪkli/
v.
To express admiration or respect for someone or something through speech or writing, often highlighting their good qualities.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In her book, the author celebrates the bravery of everyday heroes who help their communities.
In her book, the author praises the courage of ordinary people who assist their communities.
🔗 Collocations
celebrate diversity – to acknowledge and appreciate the variety of cultures and identities
celebrate achievements – to publicly recognize and honor successes
🚫 Antonyms
criticize (v.) – to express disapproval of someone or something
🌱 Derivatives
celebrated (adj.) – famous and praised
celebration (n.) – the act of praising or honoring
Wordbook
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