noun

commendation

kah-men-DAY-shun/ˌkɑːmenˈdeɪʃn/

Formal praise or recognition of merit.

The firefighter receives a commendation for saving two children.

At a small formal recognition ceremony, an older Latino woman receives a ribboned medal from a young adult East Asian woman.

Etymology

comLatinperhaps an intensifier

+mendLatinto entrust

+ationLatinact or expression

Entrusting people to another's care, with com- perhaps adding emphasis, came to mean presenting them as worthy of regard. Commendation names an expression of the praise or approval that developed from this idea.

In context

Libranima62:44

praise has ever been the reward of virtue, and those who are virtuous cannot fail to receive commendation.

Don Quixote - Cervantes (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 3 of 4

More examples

Her years of public service deserve special commendation.
The department awards commendations to officers who show exceptional courage.
A letter of commendation thanks the team for its outstanding work.

Forms

commendation · commendations

commend verb — To praise formally or express strong approval.

Similar words

praise: Praise can be informal; commendation usually carries official recognition.
recognition: Recognition acknowledges achievement or service without necessarily expressing praise.
citation: A citation records official praise; commendation also names the praise itself.