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

He commended the Church of England’s recent Makin report, saying it "left no stone unturned".

From BBC

The Independent's four-star review also commended 86-year-old Scott, who appears to care less about habits and expectations the older he gets.

From BBC

He commended Los Angeles officials for making progress on getting people off the street and Newsom for promising accountability.

From Los Angeles Times

But he commended his aide, saying Jurado has been sidestepping questions about police abolition.

From Los Angeles Times

Members of the commission last week commended representatives of Space Force and Air Force, but reiterated it should be SpaceX representatives in front of the commission since most of the launches were for private use.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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