commiserate

[ kuh-miz-uh-reyt ]

verb (used without object)

, com·mis·er·at·ed, com·mis·er·at·ing.

1. to sympathize (usually followed by with ):

   They commiserated with him over the loss of his job.

verb (used with object)

, com·mis·er·at·ed, com·mis·er·at·ing.

1. to feel or express sorrow or sympathy for; empathize with; pity.

commiserate

/ kəˈmɪzəˌreɪt /

verb

1. whenintr, usually foll by with to feel or express sympathy or compassion (for)

Derived Forms

• comˌmiseˈration, noun
• comˈmiserˌator, noun
• comˈmiserative, adjective
• comˈmiseratively, adverb
• comˈmiserable, adjective

Other Words From

• com·mis·er·a·ble adjective
• com·mis·er·a·tion [k, uh, -miz-, uh, -, rey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• com·mis·er·a·tive adjective
• com·mis·er·a·tive·ly adverb
• com·mis·er·a·tor noun
• non·com·mis·er·a·tive adjective
• non·com·mis·er·a·tive·ly adverb
• un·com·mis·er·at·ed adjective
• un·com·mis·er·at·ing adjective
• un·com·mis·er·a·tive adjective
• un·com·mis·er·a·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of commiserate¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin commiserātus (past participle of commiserārī ), equivalent to com- com- + miser “pitiable” ( misery ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of commiserate¹

C17: from Latin commiserārī, from com- together + miserārī to bewail, pity, from miser wretched

Example Sentences

France's Kylian Portal, 17, missed out on a medal at his home Games by just 0.04secs, and Clegg made sure to commiserate the tearful teenager after the race.

From BBC

The outpouring of support continued throughout the ensuing drone show, fans from all sections surrounding him and patting his back and sharing his regret, with one fan even accompanying Voda to his car afterward to commiserate on his bad luck.

From Los Angeles Times

That's why their response to Trump playing up his minor injury with a diaper-sized bandage was not to commiserate with his pain.

From Salon

For those who arrived too late to get an Ohtani bobblehead, the Dodgers can commiserate.

From Los Angeles Times

At the party, the two commiserate over being the props for the evening's entertainment.

From Salon

Related Words

• sympathize