commend

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /kəˈmɛnd/

KK: /kəˈmɛnd/

transitive verb

Definition

To express approval or praise for someone or something, often suggesting that they are worthy of attention or respect.

Example

The teacher commended the student for her excellent project.

Tense Forms

Past: commended

Past Participle: commended

Conversation

I really want to commend Sarah for her amazing presentation today.

Absolutely! She put in so much effort.

It's nice to see someone get recognized for their hard work.

Definitely, we should tell her how much we appreciated it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

praise

recommend

applaud

Antonyms

criticize

condemn

disapprove

Root Explanation

Commend is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "mandare" (meaning to entrust or order). The word means to entrust someone or something to another's care or to praise someone for their actions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'entrusting' someone ('mandare') with something important, which is what it means to commend.

Visually Confused Words