commiserate

UK: kəˈmɪzəreɪt | US: kəˈmɪzəreɪt

Definition
  1. vt. to express sympathy or sorrow for someone’s suffering

  2. vi. to share in someone’s grief or disappointment

Structure
com <together>miser <sorrowful>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "commiserate" originates from Latin commiserari, combining com- (intensifying "together") and miserari ("to pity," from miser meaning "wretched"). The root miser also appears in English words like "misery" and "miserable." Over time, "commiserate" evolved to emphasize shared empathy rather than mere pity, reflecting a collaborative emotional response to suffering.

Examples
  1. She commiserated with her friend over the lost job opportunity.

  2. The team commiserated after their narrow defeat in the finals.

  3. He commiserated with his neighbor about the rising cost of living.

  4. They gathered to commiserate over their shared struggles.

  5. Politicians often commiserate publicly after national tragedies.