commend

[kuh-mend]

verb (used with object)

1. to present, mention, or praise as worthy of confidence, notice, kindness, etc.; recommend.

   to commend a friend to another;

   to commend an applicant for employment.

   Synonyms: extol, laud, acclaim
   Antonyms: censure

2. to entrust; give in charge; deliver with confidence.

   I commend my child to your care.

   Synonyms: convey, relegate, consign, commit

3. to cite or name with approval or special praise.

   to commend a soldier for bravery.

4. Feudal Law.,  to place (oneself or one's land) under another's protection so as to become his vassal.

5. Archaic.,  to recommend (a person) to the kind remembrance of another.

commend

/ kəˈmɛnd /

verb

1. to present or represent as being worthy of regard, confidence, kindness, etc; recommend

2. to give in charge; entrust

3. to express a good opinion of; praise

4. to give the regards of

   commend me to your aunt

Other Word Forms

• commendable adjective
• commender noun
• commendingly adverb
• overcommend verb (used with object)
• commendableness noun
• commendatory adjective
• commendably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of commend¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English commenden, from Latin commendāre, equivalent to com- com- + -mendāre, combining form of mandāre; mandate

Word History and Origins

Origin of commend¹

C14: from Latin commendāre to commit to someone's care, from com- (intensive) + mandāre to entrust

Synonym Study

See approve.

Example Sentences

"I would like to commend her for standing up to this abuse and assisting with our investigation," Mr Roberts added.

From BBC

"I would like to commend her for standing up to this abuse and assisting with our investigation," Chief Constable Roberts said.

From BBC

It was captured by macro wildlife photographer Bidyut Kalita and was among the highly commended entries in this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

From BBC

Family, friends and cellmates have commended the two brothers for their work inside prison in the past few years, referring to them as “mentors” for other prisoners and spearheading programs inside prison walls.

From Los Angeles Times

Judge Cooper said PC Foster and two other officers should be commended for bravery.

From BBC

Related Words

• applaud 
• approve 
• compliment 
• endorse 
• extol 
• hail 
• laud