commiseration

American  

[kuh-miz-uh-rey-shuhn] / kəˌmɪz əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of empathizing, or expressing sympathy or sorrow for someone about something.

   Taking the seat next to him, she put her arm around his shoulders in silent commiseration.

2. commiserations, an expression of sympathy or sorrow for someone.

   All my thanks and commiserations to the dedicated staff, many of whom I expect will lose their jobs in the cutbacks.

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Other Word Forms

• noncommiseration
  noun

Etymology

Origin of commiseration

First recorded in 1570–80; commiserat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Explanation

Commiseration refers to feelings of sympathy for other people. If a friend's pet dies, you will probably want to express your commiseration. If you are feeling commiseration for someone, they are probably going through difficult times. We feel commiseration when others suffer or feel pain and we understand that pain. We commiserate with them. The Latin root com- means "together with." Just as communication and community are words involving getting people together, commiseration is about feeling other people's pain.

Example Sentences

Commiseration or empathy from peer app users inevitably follows.

From Washington Post • Nov. 19, 2021

Commiseration for human suffering and human sacrifices awakened the capacious mind, and brought into action the enlarged benevolence, of Georgiana Carlton.

From Clotel; or, the President's Daughter by Brown, William Wells

Commiseration, deep pity for the sorrows she was to witness unavailingly, wounded pride, insulted self-esteem,—all were there!

From The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. I (of II) by Lever, Charles James

"Oh, Gwen!" he cried, without a word of greeting, much less of Commiseration, "we have had such a ride!"

From The Sky Pilot, a Tale of the Foothills by Connor, Ralph

"Commiseration would be a little unnecessary," said Allonby, with unusual quietness.

From A Damaged Reputation by Bindloss, Harold