DictionaryRoot: con-
Latin

con-

together, with; sometimes thoroughly

Forms

  • con-
  • com- — Used before certain consonants, especially b, p, and m.
  • col- — The final consonant changed before l.
  • cor- — The final consonant changed before r.
  • co- — The final consonant was lost in some combinations.

Origin

From Latin cum, “with,” and an older form com-.

Note

Togetherness could extend to completeness. Not every word containing this prefix retains an obvious “with” meaning.

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verb

commend

To entrust someone or something to another's care.

The letter commends the child to her aunt's care.

Etymology

Latin mandare meant to entrust, strengthened by con-. This use of commend preserves placing someone or something in another’s charge, with an expectation of care or protection.

More examples

  • He commended the papers to a trusted keeper.
  • They are commending the matter to the committee.
  • She commends the travelers to their host.

Forms

commend · commends · commended · commending

Similar words

entrust
The usual modern term.
commit
Places in another's charge.