adjective

commendable

kuh-MEND-uh-bl/kəˈmendəbl/

Deserving praise or approval.

The woman's commendable cleanup earns an approving look from an older passerby.

A young woman collects litter in a public park while an older passerby gives her an appreciative thumbs-up, making both the praiseworthy action and approval clear.

Etymology

comLatinperhaps an intensifier

+mendLatinto entrust

+ableLatincapable or worthy of

With com- perhaps adding emphasis, entrusting people to another's care developed into presenting them as worthy of regard, hence praising them. The ending describes something worthy of that praise.

In context

United States Institute of Peace517:53

office how he handled himself with his wife and with his family and the way he balanced these awesome responsibilities with his responsibilities in his family this is a very commendable thing

Passing the Baton 2017: America's Role in the World (Full Day)

More examples

The volunteers show commendable patience with every visitor.
Your effort is commendable, even though the experiment failed.
The company made commendable progress in reducing waste.

Forms

commendable · more commendable · most commendable

commend verb — To express praise or approval for.

commendably adverb — In a way that deserves praise.

Similar words

praiseworthy: Directly emphasizes deserving praise, with little difference in meaning.
laudable: Often praises worthy goals or intentions in more formal language.
admirable: Suggests stronger admiration for someone's qualities, achievements, or character.