commend

UK: /kəˈmɛnd/ US: /kəˈmɛnd/ ,(kə mend′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

com•mend /kəˈmɛnd/   v. [~ + object]

1. to present or mention as worthy of confidence, attention, etc.;
   recommend:
   to commend one friend to another.
2. to entrust;
   deliver with confidence:
   I commend my child to your care.
3. to single out or choose (someone) for special praise:
   to commend a soldier for bravery.

com•mend•a•ble, adj.: 

It was commendable that you admitted your mistake.

com•mend•a•ble•ness, n. [uncountable]
com•mend•a•bly, adv.: 

performed the task commendably.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

com•mend  (kə mend′), v.t. 

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.
2. to entrust;
   give in charge;
   deliver with confidence:
   I commend my child to your care.
3. to cite or name with approval or special praise:
   to commend a soldier for bravery.
4. Law, World History [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.

• Latin commendāre, equivalent. to com- com- + -mendāre, combining form of mandāre; see mandate
• Middle English commenden 1350–1400

com•mend′a•ble, adj. 
com•mend′a•ble•ness, n. 
com•mend′a•bly, adv. 
com•mend′er, n. 
com•mend′ing•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. acclaim, laud, extol. See approve. 
• 2. commit, consign, relegate, convey.

Antonyms

• 1. censure.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

commend / kəˈmɛnd/ verb (transitive)

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

Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin commendāre to commit to someone's care, from com- (intensive) + mandāre to entrust

comˈmendable adjective

comˈmendably adverb

comˈmendatory adjective