commend
UK[kəˈmɛnd]US[kəˈmɛnd]
v
To formally praise someone or something, especially in public.
v
To present someone or something as suitable or good; to recommend.
Morpheme Breakdown
com
mend
com
together, thoroughly
mend
entrust, order
Etymology
The word 'commend' originates from the Latin verb 'commendare', a compound of the intensive prefix 'com-' (thoroughly) and 'mandare' (to entrust, order, commit). 'Mandare' itself is formed from 'manus' (hand) and 'dare' (to give), literally conveying the act of handing something over for safekeeping. In classical Latin, 'commendare' meant to commit, entrust, or deliver something formally into another's care. This sense of formal delivery evolved in English to signify the act of presenting someone or something as worthy of trust or favor, leading to its modern meanings of praising or recommending.
Analysis
Structure: com (together, thoroughly) + mend (entrust, order)
com: Latin prefix; from 'cum' meaning 'with, together, thoroughly'. In this word, it acts as an intensifier.
mend: Latin root; from 'mandare' meaning 'to entrust, order, commit to one's charge'. It is the core semantic root.
Examples
The general commended the soldiers for their bravery.
I must commend this restaurant for its excellent service.
The report commends the new policy as a step in the right direction.