Celebrate Meaning

UK /ˈsɛlɪˌbreɪt/
US /ˈsɛlɪˌbreɪt/
Word Definition
celebrate meaning

Celebrate Definition & Usage

verb

To observe or honor an event or person with festivities or activities.

Examples

  • "They celebrated their wedding anniversary with a big family reunion."
  • "The team celebrated their victory by throwing a party."
  • "People celebrate Christmas with gifts, food, and decorations."
  • "The nation celebrates its independence on July 4th."
  • "We celebrated her promotion at the office with cake and drinks."
verb

To express approval or admiration for something.

Examples

  • "The community celebrated his dedication to environmental causes."
  • "The film was celebrated for its stunning cinematography."
  • "She was celebrated for her outstanding contributions to science."
  • "He celebrated her decision to pursue her dreams without hesitation."
  • "The artist’s work was celebrated across the country for its creativity."
verb

To commemorate or mark an important event or anniversary.

Examples

  • "The city celebrated its 100th anniversary with a grand parade."
  • "They celebrated the founding of the university with special lectures and concerts."
  • "The nation celebrated the bicentennial of its independence last year."
  • "On the anniversary of the battle, citizens celebrate by visiting the memorial."
  • "We celebrated the 50th year of the company with a gala dinner."

Cultural Context

Celebrating is a deeply ingrained part of many cultures around the world, often linked to holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or national milestones. It reflects both personal and collective joy, and has evolved to include both public festivals and private moments of recognition. The act of celebrating has significance beyond mere enjoyment, serving as a form of social bonding, a way to honor achievements, and a means of reflecting on important events in history.

The Grand Celebration

Story

The Grand Celebration

As the sun began to set, the small town of Oakridge was buzzing with excitement. It was the 50th anniversary of the local library, and the entire community had come together to celebrate. The streets were lined with banners, and the air was filled with the sound of children laughing and playing. For the residents, this was not just a celebration of books, but a celebration of their shared history and achievements. Mayor Thompson stood on the stage, looking out over the crowd. He raised his glass of sparkling cider and said, 'Today, we celebrate not just the library, but the spirit of learning and growth that it has fostered in this town for half a century.' The crowd cheered, their applause filling the evening air. As the party continued, many took the opportunity to celebrate personal milestones as well. Emma, a longtime volunteer, was surrounded by her friends as they toasted her dedication to the library. 'You've truly made a difference,' one of them said, and Emma smiled, feeling the weight of their admiration. In another corner, the children were participating in a scavenger hunt, their faces beaming as they discovered hidden clues around the library grounds. They were not just celebrating the anniversary but the joy of reading itself. Later that evening, the library’s director, Mrs. Anderson, stood at the podium to reflect on the milestone. 'We are here to celebrate a history of knowledge and passion for learning that connects us all. This library is more than just a building; it is the heart of this town.' Her words were met with tears and cheers. As the night drew to a close, the whole community gathered in front of the library to light lanterns. The sky above was filled with twinkling lights as they released their wishes for the future. It was a fitting way to celebrate their past and look forward to the next 50 years. In the end, the true meaning of 'celebrate' had been realized. It wasn't just about the parties or the recognition—it was about honoring the connections, the achievements, and the joy they shared as a community.

The Grand Celebration