Commendation

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌkɒmənˈdeɪʃən/

Definitions

1. An official expression of praise or approval given in recognition of achievement or merit
2. An act of formally expressing approval or admiration for someone's significant accomplishments or virtues
3. A formal acknowledgment that highlights and praises someone's noteworthy contributions or qualities

Etymology: "Commendation" carries the sense of a formal, public word of praise, yet its roots lie in the Latin verb "commendare," which meant to entrust something to someone's care. The core idea is one of placing something valuable into trusted hands, and the praise sense grew out of that act of recommendation: a person who was handed over to another's protection was being vouched for, and vouching for someone is close to praising them. The path into English ran through Old French "commendacion," which carried the meanings of approval and praise, and the word arrived in Middle English as "commendacioun." Over the centuries the sense of entrusting faded from everyday use, leaving behind the notion of a reference or endorsement that lifts someone's reputation. The word was built from "commendare," itself formed from "com-" (together, thoroughly) and "mandare" (to commit, hand over), which is why the original image is of something being firmly placed into another's keeping.

Synonyms: praise, approval, acclaim, recommendation, tribute

Antonyms: criticism, disapproval, censure, condemnation, blame