commend — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To congratulate or reward.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   felicitatetake one's hat off to

   Examples

   The schoolboy was commended for raising the alarm about the burning building.

2. To praise or acclaim.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   exaltextollaud

   Examples

   The new law has little to commend it: it even worsens the legal certainty of the nation.

   More examples (1)

   1485 – Thomas Malory. Le Morte Darthur, Book X, Chapter xliiij, leaf 242v Thenne Quene Gueneuer commended hym and soo dyd alle other good knyghtes made moche of hym excepte sire Gawayns bretheren / "Then Queen Guenever commended him, and so did all other good knights make much of him, except Sir Gawaine’s brethren."

   Segrais on this Subject of a Heroe's ſhedding Tears, obſerves that Hiſtorians commend Alexander for weeping, when he read the mighty Actions of Achilles.

3. To entrust or commit to the care of someone else.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   After being imprisoned, I had to commend my kids to my mom's safekeeping.

   Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.

4. To mention by way of courtesy, implying remembrance and goodwill; give regards from

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   Commend me to my brother.

5. To recommend.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   Among the objects of knowledge, two especially […] commend themselves to our contemplation.

   I commend vnto you Phebe our sister, which is a seruant of the Church which is at Cenchrea:

6. To adorn; to set off.

   Usage

   • Dated
   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   arraydeckornament

Noun

1. Commendation; praise.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Synonyms

   accoladecommendationdouceur

   Examples

   He had need meane better, then his outward ſhew Can any way ſpeake in his iuſt commend:

2. Compliments; greetings.

   Usage

   • in-plural
   • Obsolete

   Synonyms

   salutation

   Examples

   Hearty commends and much endeared love unto you.

Verb

1. express approbation of

   Broader terms

   praise

2. present as worthy of regard, kindness, or confidence

   Broader terms

   portraypresent

   Examples

   His paintings commend him to the artistic world

3. give to in charge

   Broader terms

   entrustintrusttrustconfidecommit

   Examples

   I commend my children to you

4. express a good opinion of

   Synonyms

   recommend

   Broader terms

   praise

5. mention as by way of greeting or to indicate friendship

   Synonyms

   remember

   Broader terms

   mentionadvertbring upcitenamerefer

   Examples

   Remember me to your wife