commend
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to praise someone or something in a formal way, often for doing a good job.
to express formal praise or approval of someone or something. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“The manager decided to commend the team for finishing the project ahead of schedule.”
In context“The committee voted to commend the officer for her exceptional bravery during the emergency rescue operation.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
to say that something is good and should be chosen or used.
to present or represent as worthy of confidence, acceptance, or regard.
Simple“This new book has much to commend it to anyone interested in history.”
In context“While the proposal is expensive, its focus on long-term sustainability is a feature that should commend it to the board.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
to give something or someone into the care of another person.
to entrust or commit to the care of another. Often used in religious or highly literary contexts.
Simple“Before he left, he commended his children to the care of his sister.”
In context“In his final hours, the poet commended his soul to a higher power and his manuscripts to his most trusted friend.”
“Scroll down to explore other highly commended works from the competition.”
“Scarr commends the opposition communications minister, Sarah Henderson, for making some changes to the bill, but says he “won’t be part of it”.”
From Middle English commenden, from Old French comender, from Latin commendō (“commend, entrust to, commit, recommend”), from com- + mandō (“to commit, intrust, enjoin”), from manus (“hand”) + dō (“to put”). Doublet of command.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.