commend
kuh-MEHND
Commend (verb) means to praise someone formally for doing something well. Example: “The teacher commended the students for their hard work all semester.”
verb
1
To praise someone formally for doing something well.
"The teacher commended the students for their hard work all semester."
"He was commended for his bravery during the rescue."
2
To entrust someone or something to another's care.
"She commended her children to her sister's care before the surgery."
How to use commend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo praise someone officially, or to hand something over into someone's trust.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
commend someone for
highly commended
commend to the care of
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Word forms
- Plural
- commends
- Third person singular
- commends
- Past tense
- commended
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The teacher _____ the students for their hard work all semester.
Etymology
From Latin commendare ("to entrust, recommend"), from com- + mandare — a doublet of "command."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for commend
See all rhymes for commend →Frequently asked questions
What does “commend” mean?
The word “commend” means to praise someone formally for doing something well. In plain terms, to praise someone officially, or to hand something over into someone's trust.
How do you pronounce “commend”?
“Commend” is pronounced kuh-MEHND (/kəˈmɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “commend” in a sentence?
Here is “commend” used in a sentence: “The teacher commended the students for their hard work all semester.”
What part of speech is “commend”?
“Commend” is a verb.
Where does the word “commend” come from?
The word “commend” comes from Latin. From Latin commendare ("to entrust, recommend"), from com- + mandare — a doublet of "command.".
Is “commend” a common word?
“Commend” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “commend” have?
“Commend” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to praise someone formally for doing something well.
