Words / C1

k-uh-MEND/kəˈmend/

To commend is to praise someone or something formally: commended for honesty, highly commended (a prize band). Praise is everyday; recommend is a different verb (suggest as suitable) — do not mix them. Commendation is the noun. In speech, praise or well done is enough. Commend is at home in reports, ceremonies, and references, not in a text to a friend.

Meaning

To praise someone or something formally.

Examples

• “The principal commended her for honesty.”
• “The principal commended her for reporting the error instead of hiding it.”
• “The essay was highly commended; it did not win.”

Good to know

Officially praise. Noun: commendation. highly commended. Everyday: praise. Contrast: recommend = suggest as suitable.

Near in meaning

praise

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