To express considered approval of a person, action, or quality.
Reach for it when giving formal or sincere praise that names what deserves recognition
The inspector chose to commend the crew for stopping work when conditions changed.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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| literary |
playful
salute
Fits when spirited respect for effort or courage is wanted
Careful The martial flavor can distract in a quiet workplace message.
everyday
Fits when straightforward approval fits any setting
Careful Praise may be casual or enthusiastic, while commend sounds considered.
warm
Fits when a personal expression of admiration is the action
Careful Compliments often concern appearance or skill and carry less official weight.
professional
Fits when public approval of a choice or achievement is intended
Careful Applaud can sound figurative or performative without specific recognition.
professional
Fits when formally acknowledging contribution matters most
Careful Recognition can be neutral and may not express approval.
literary
Fits when emphatic public praise suits an elevated register
Careful Laud is too grand for acknowledging ordinary responsible work.
commend someone for
I commend Ana for naming the safety risk early.
highly commend
Reviewers highly commend the archive's clear sourcing.
commend the effort
Even opponents commend the effort to include remote villages.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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