celebration

USAGE SUMMARY

'celebration' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to any kind of festive gathering such as a party, gathering, or event. For example: "The town held a large celebration to mark the opening of the new civic center."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She also criticises the western European bias, and what she sees as a celebration of (almost invariably) male celebrity chefs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is no Christmas tree this year at the Gomes residence in Kuala Lumpur, no lights, and no big celebration over the holiday season; there's nothing to celebrate.

The Guardian

The move by the leaders of Germany and France, who were upset by Cameron's initial plan to deliver his speech on the same day as their celebration marking their historic post-war reconciliation, means negotiations could take place earlier than No 10 had expected.

The Guardian

Kilmarnock were denied the celebration of their first ever League Cup by a dreadful turn of events.

The Guardian - Sport

It is also a celebration of Fern Verrow's inextricable ties with the rhythms of nature.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was not even a line of celebration in Ofsted's annual report.

The Guardian

If the celebration was respectful, the onslaught that followed – after being dropped the very next ball – was anything but.

The Guardian - Sport

Though turnouts in byelections are almost always lower than at general elections, for a majority to be cut from almost 6,000 to 617 is no cause for celebration at all.

The Guardian

Considering he'd just scored a brilliant goal in the FA Cup final, Pearce's celebration was on the Bill Murray side of downbeat.

The Guardian - Sport

It also began in celebration, and another glimpse that a fourth power may be re-emerging in Spain.

The Guardian - Sport

On Monday morning Barcelona had a special open training session for kids to attend in celebration of Kings Day, when the three wise men supposedly reached Bethlehem carrying gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "celebration" to denote a joyous occasion or event, ensuring the context aligns with the positive and festive connotation of the word.

Common error

Avoid using "celebration" in highly formal or somber contexts where a more neutral term like "observance" or "commemoration" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "celebration" primarily functions as a noun, denoting an event or occasion marked by festivities and joy. This is evident in examples like "the celebration of British music" and "a big family celebration". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "celebration" is a noun widely used to describe joyous events and commemorations. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and very common. While it appears most frequently in news, sports, and lifestyle contexts, it should be used cautiously in overly formal settings where alternatives like "observance" might be more appropriate. Remember to use "celebration" to highlight positive and festive occasions while being mindful of the overall tone and context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

festivity

This term highlights the joyful and celebratory aspect of an event, focusing on the festive atmosphere.

jubilee

This phrase specifies a special anniversary celebration, often denoting a significant milestone.

party

This term refers to a social gathering for fun and entertainment.

commemoration

This suggests a more formal or solemn observance, often to remember a person or event.

festival

This term refers to an organized set of cultural performances, displays, or events often of a particular kind or related to a particular place.

observance

This term refers to the act of recognizing or honoring a specific event or tradition.

revelry

This emphasizes the lively and boisterous nature of a celebration, focusing on energetic enjoyment.

ceremony

This phrase refers to a formal religious or public occasion, typically one celebrating a particular event or anniversary.

gala

This term refers to a formal and elegant celebration, usually involving a special event or performance.

tribute

This phrase describes something done, said, or given to show respect, gratitude, or admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "celebration" in a sentence?

You can use "celebration" to refer to a festive event or gathering, such as "The town held a grand "celebration" for its 100th anniversary".

What are some alternatives to the word "celebration"?

You can use alternatives like "festivity", "jubilee", or "commemoration" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between a "celebration" and a "ceremony"?

While both involve special events, a "celebration" tends to be more joyous and festive, while a "ceremony" is typically more formal and ritualistic.

When is it not appropriate to use the word "celebration"?

Avoid using "celebration" in contexts that are somber or mournful, where a more respectful term like "remembrance" or "memorial" would be more suitable.