WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Cel"e*brate
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [L. celebratus, p. p. of celebrare to frequent, to celebrate, fr. celeber famous.]
Definition : 1. To extol or honor in a solemn manner; as, to celebrate the name of the Most High.

2. To honor by solemn rites, by ceremonies of joy and respect, or by refraining from ordinary business; to observe duly; to keep; as, to celebrate a birthday. Fron even unto shall ye celebrate your Sabbath. Lev. xxiii. 32.

3. To perforn or participate in, as a sacrament or solemn rite; to solemnize; to perform with appropriate rites; as, to celebrate a marriage.

Syn. -- To commemorate; distinguish; honor. -- To Celebrate, Commemorate. We commemorate events which we desire to keep in remembrance, when we recall them by some special observace; as, to commemorate the death of our Savior. We celebrate by demonstrations of joy or solemnity or by appropriate ceremonies; as, to celebrate the birthday of our Independence. We are called upon to commemorate a revolution as surprising in its manner as happy in its consequences. Atterbury. Earth, water, air, and fire, with feeling glee, Exult to celebrate thy festival. Thomson.

t. [imp. & p. p. Celebrated; p. pr. & vb. n. Celebrating.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913