Here's why:
* Soft c: The "c" makes a /s/ sound, as in "cell" or "city".
* Followed by a vowel: The "c" is followed by the vowel "e" in "celebrate".
Therefore, the "c" in "celebrate" makes a soft /s/ sound because it is followed by a vowel.
Here's why:
* Soft c: The "c" makes a /s/ sound, as in "cell" or "city".
* Followed by a vowel: The "c" is followed by the vowel "e" in "celebrate".
Therefore, the "c" in "celebrate" makes a soft /s/ sound because it is followed by a vowel.