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verb C1 Advanced Uncommon

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

commended past tense, commends plural, commends singular

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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."

Origin: Latin

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial