commend

American  

[kuh-mend] / kəˈmɛnd /

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.

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commend British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See approve.

Other Word Forms

• commendable adjective
• commendableness noun
• commendably adverb
• commendatory adjective
• commender noun
• commendingly adverb
• overcommend verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of commend

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

Explanation

Have you ever shouted "Bravo!" at the end of a play or cooed "Good boy!" to the dog when he followed a command? Then you know how to commend someone — in other words, to express approval aloud. The most common meaning of commend is "to compliment." You commend someone when you tell them "Well done!" You can even say "I commend you on your hard work." Back in the days of Charles Dickens, commend often meant to put (someone or something) in the hands of someone else for safekeeping. Case in point: David Copperfield was out of luck when his cruel stepdad commended him to the equally cruel schoolmaster Mr. Creakle at Salem house.

Example Sentences

Consequently, any attempt to commend the ascetic practices of one religion to the other is fruitless.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"I commend his demonstrated commitment to transparency and appreciate his willingness to engage with the Committee," said Comer, a Republican representing Kentucky.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

"We were 40-50 runs short. Must commend the guys in the bottom half for giving us a chance."

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

We believe that this is the labor secretary’s first appearance in the Surge, and, regrettably, it’s not to commend her on great achievements in the field of labor.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

“I commend you to Horatio. He will be faithful and care for you,” she whispered.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Related Words

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