commend

UK: kəˈmend | US: kəˈmend

Definition
  1. vt. to praise formally or officially

  2. vt. to entrust someone or something to another's care

  3. vt. to recommend as worthy of confidence or notice

Structure
com <together/with>mend <trust>
Etymology

commend = com<together/with> + mend<trust>

  • com: A Latin prefix meaning "together" or "with," often intensifying the root's meaning.
  • mend: Derived from Latin mandare ("to entrust, order"), from manus ("hand") + dare ("to give"). The root implies trust or delegation.

Etymology Origin:
The word "commend" originates from Latin commendare, combining com- (intensifying prefix) and mandare ("to entrust"). It originally meant "to give into someone's hand for safekeeping," later evolving to include praise (as a metaphorical "entrusting" of approval). The dual meanings of trust and praise reflect its historical use in both legal/official contexts and personal recommendations.

Examples
  1. The general commended the soldiers for their bravery.

  2. She commended her child to the care of her sister.

  3. The teacher commended his essay as a model for the class.

  4. The judge commended the witness for their honesty.

  5. The report commends this method for its efficiency.