recommend

[ rek-uh-mend ]

verb (used with object)

1. to present as worthy of confidence, acceptance, use, etc.; commend; mention favorably:

   to recommend an applicant for a job; to recommend a book.

   Synonyms: condone, approve

   Antonyms: condemn

2. to represent or urge as advisable or expedient:

   to recommend caution.

3. to advise, as an alternative; suggest (a choice, course of action, etc.) as appropriate, beneficial, or the like:

   He recommended the blue-plate special. The doctor recommended special exercises for her.

   Synonyms: counsel

4. to make desirable or attractive:

   a plan that has very little to recommend it.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a recommendation.

noun

1. Informal. a recommendation.

recommend

/ ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd /

verb

1. may take a clause as object or an infinitive to advise as the best course or choice; counsel

   to recommend prudence

2. to praise or commend

   to recommend a new book

3. to make attractive or advisable

   the trip has little to recommend it

4. archaic.
   to entrust (a person or thing) to someone else's care; commend

Derived Forms

• ˌrecomˈmender, noun
• ˌrecomˈmendable, adjective

Other Words From

• recom·menda·ble adjective
• recom·mender noun
• prerec·om·mend verb (used with object)
• unrec·om·menda·ble adjective
• unrec·om·mended adjective
• well-recom·mended adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recommend¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English recommenden, from Medieval Latin recommendāre; equivalent to re- + commend

Word History and Origins

Origin of recommend¹

C14: via Medieval Latin from Latin re- + commendāre to commend

Example Sentences

According to the Journal, the panel would consist of ranking retired officers who were empowered to recommend removal of former peers deemed to be “lacking in requisite leadership qualities.”

From Los Angeles Times

The NPA says it will be left with no choice but to recommend pharmacies withdraw services from as early as the new year, if funding isn't increased.

From BBC

A recent investigation triggered by the federal corruption case against former Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas found significant problems in the county’s contracting process, prompting investigators to recommend a new ethics and compliance officer and other measures to prevent conflicts of interest.

From Los Angeles Times

The job of the House of Lords is to scrutinise the work of government and recommend changes to proposed legislation.

From BBC

Marx: I can’t recommend it enough.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advocate
• back
• confirm
• endorse
• favor
• justify
• praise
• prescribe
• propose
• suggest
• uphold
• urge