Definition of the word commend

The word "commend" has a rich etymology! It originated from the Latin verb "committere," which means "to entrust" or "to commit." This Latin verb is a combination of "com-" (together) and "mittere" (to send or put). Initially, "commend" meant "to entrust or commit something or someone to someone's care or protection." In the 14th century, the verb evolved to also mean "to recommend or praise" someone or something. This sense of "commend" likely arose from the idea of recommending or endorsing someone or something to others, much like entrusting them to someone's care. Today, "commend" can be used in a variety of contexts, including "to commend someone's actions" (to praise or approve), "to commend a book" (to recommend it), and even "to commend someone's soul to God" (to entrust their spiritual well-being to a higher power). Overall, the word "commend" encompasses a sense of trust, recommendation, and reverence.