commend

[ kuh-mend ]

verb (used with object)

1. to present, mention, or praise as worthy of confidence, notice, kindness, etc.; recommend:

   to commend a friend to another;

   to commend an applicant for employment.

   Synonyms: extol, laud, acclaim

   Antonyms: censure

2. to entrust; give in charge; deliver with confidence:

   I commend my child to your care.

   Synonyms: convey, relegate, consign, commit

3. to cite or name with approval or special praise:

   to commend a soldier for bravery.

4. Feudal Law. to place (oneself or one's land) under another's protection so as to become his vassal.
5. Archaic. to recommend (a person) to the kind remembrance of another.

commend

/ kəˈmɛnd /

verb

1. to present or represent as being worthy of regard, confidence, kindness, etc; recommend
2. to give in charge; entrust
3. to express a good opinion of; praise
4. to give the regards of

   commend me to your aunt

Derived Forms

• comˈmendableness, noun
• comˈmendatory, adjective
• comˈmendable, adjective
• comˈmendably, adverb

Other Words From

• com·mend·a·ble adjective
• com·mend·er noun
• com·mend·ing·ly adverb
• o·ver·com·mend verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of commend¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English commenden, from Latin commendāre, equivalent to com- com- + -mendāre, combining form of mandāre; mandate

Word History and Origins

Origin of commend¹

C14: from Latin commendāre to commit to someone's care, from com- (intensive) + mandāre to entrust

Synonym Study

See approve.

Example Sentences

“I commend the family of Yahushua Robinson ... for lending their emotional strength and compassion for others in order to help ensure that no other student loses their life this way.”

From Los Angeles Times

Let's commend him for brevity: “I think the world is in decline,” he said, “not necessarily the USA.”

From Salon

Speaking about the online abuse of Chiles, they added: "No athlete should be subject to such treatment. We condemn the attacks and those who engage, support or instigate them. We commend Jordan for conducting herself with integrity both on and off the competition floor, and we continue to stand by and support her."

From BBC

“No athlete should be subject to such treatment. We condemn the attacks and those who engage, support or instigate them. We commend Jordan for conducting herself with integrity both on and off the competition floor, and we continue to stand by and support her.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We commend her professionalism,” the Times said.

From Slate

Related Words

• applaud
• approve
• compliment
• endorse
• extol
• hail
• laud