recommend
reh-kuh-MEHND
Recommend (verb) means to suggest that someone or something is good or suitable, often based on personal experience. Example: “My doctor recommended a low-sugar diet.”
verb
1
To suggest that someone or something is good or suitable, often based on personal experience.
"My doctor recommended a low-sugar diet."
"Can you recommend a good restaurant nearby?"
"I would happily recommend this plumber to any of my neighbours."
2
To advise a particular course of action.
"The committee recommended further investigation before approving the plan."
"The guide recommends leaving early to avoid the morning traffic."
"I'd recommend that you save your work before closing the program."
How to use recommend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo suggest something as good, or to advise a course of action.
Common pairings
highly recommend
recommend a book
strongly recommend
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Word forms
- Plural
- recommends
- Third person singular
- recommends
- Past tense
- recommended
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
My doctor _____ a low-sugar diet.
Etymology
From Old French recommender, from Latin re- plus commendare ("to entrust, commend"), itself from com- ("together, thoroughly") and mandare ("to commit, hand over").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for recommend
See all rhymes for recommend →Frequently asked questions
What does “recommend” mean?
The word “recommend” means to suggest that someone or something is good or suitable, often based on personal experience. In plain terms, to suggest something as good, or to advise a course of action.
How do you pronounce “recommend”?
“Recommend” is pronounced reh-kuh-MEHND (/ˌɹɛkəˈmɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “recommend” in a sentence?
Here is “recommend” used in a sentence: “My doctor recommended a low-sugar diet.”
What is the opposite of “recommend”?
The opposite of “recommend” — its antonyms — are deprecate, disapprove, discourage, disrecommend and oppose.
What part of speech is “recommend”?
“Recommend” is a verb.
Where does the word “recommend” come from?
The word “recommend” comes from Latin. From Old French recommender, from Latin re- plus commendare ("to entrust, commend"), itself from com- ("together, thoroughly") and mandare ("to commit, hand over").
Is “recommend” a common word?
“Recommend” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “recommend” have?
“Recommend” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to suggest that someone or something is good or suitable, often based on personal experience.
What is the difference between recommend and suggest?
To recommend something is to actively endorse it as good or suitable, usually from experience or conviction. To suggest is softer — you simply put an idea forward for consideration without necessarily backing it. A recommendation carries your personal approval, while a suggestion merely offers a possibility the other person can weigh up.
Is recommend a formal or informal word?
Recommend is neutral and works in both settings. You can recommend a restaurant to a friend or recommend a candidate in an official report. In formal contexts it often signals a considered judgment, as when a committee recommends a course of action, while in everyday speech it simply means you think something is worth trying.
What is an example of recommend?
If a friend asks where to eat and you say, "I'd recommend the Italian place on the corner — I ate there last week and it was excellent," you are recommending it. You suggest it is good and suitable, and back that up with your own experience, which is the heart of the word.
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