Worthy of praise or approval because it shows effort, kindness, or high quality.
From Latin 'commendare' meaning to entrust or praise, from 'cum-' (with) plus 'mandare' (to entrust). The suffix '-able' makes it 'capable of being commended.'
While 'commendable' means worthy of praise, it often carries a subtle undertone of 'good considering the circumstances'—compare saying 'that's commendable for your first try' versus just 'that's excellent,' which shows how praise can accidentally be backhanded.
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