To praise someone for something they did well, or to recommend something as being good or worthwhile.
From Latin 'commendare' (to entrust or commit), combining 'com-' (with/together) and 'mendare' (to entrust), originally meaning to place under someone's care.
The word 'commend' originally meant 'to put in someone's care'—so praising someone is etymologically committing them to the care of others' good opinion, which is why genuine praise can actually change how communities view people.
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