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

Other Word Forms

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

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

Mahmoud offered her condolences to the victims while commending the swift response from local emergency services before adding she will "do whatever it takes" to keep the Jewish community safe.

From BBC

The officers, synagogue security and its rabbi, Daniel Walker, were commended by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer from preventing a worse tragedy.

From BBC

"We were pleased to be able to secure a positive outcome for this particular victim and commend her for having the courage to come forward and report the crimes committed against her."

From BBC

She commended the firm for getting up to speed on the settlement, mastering a complex set of policy matters within a week.

From Los Angeles Times

The main purpose of his gimmick was not to commend the hard work of FBI agents and Utah State Police officers.

From Salon

Related Words

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