commendation

[kom-uhn-dey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of commending; recommendation; praise.

   commendation for a job well done.

   Synonyms: applause, approbation, approval
   Antonyms: condemnation

2. something that commends, as a formal recommendation or an official citation or award.

   a commendation for bravery.

   Synonyms: laudation, panegyric, encomium, eulogy
   Antonyms: condemnation

3. Feudal Law.,  the placing of oneself or one's land under the protection of a lord so as to become his vassal.

4. Archaic.,  commendations, a complimentary greeting or message.

commendation

/ ˌkɒmɛnˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of commending; praise

2. an award

Other Word Forms

• self-commendation noun
• subcommendation noun
• supercommendation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of commendation¹

1175–1225; Middle English commendacioun (< Anglo-French ) < Latin commendātiōn- (stem of commendātiō ) a commending to God. See commend, -ation

Example Sentences

She said Mr Berrill, who has received two police commendations, was in the group for about two-and-a-half months and had sent 90 messages out of thousands.

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That grounding and perspective, so different from those politicians oozing ambition from every pore, may be Mahan’s best commendation for higher office.

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Inside, the walls were filled with commendations and newspaper clippings celebrating Ramos’ good works.

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DeMaio complained that the resolution — larded with more than three dozen whereas-es — strayed far afield from a straightforward commendation, endorsing some “very controversial and extremist positions” opposed even by members of the LGBQT+ community.

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It will end with a final commendation - a concluding prayer where the pontiff will be formally entrusted to God.

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Related Words

• encouragement