Commendable: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
commendable – Definition and Part of Speech
Definition: The adjective “commendable” describes actions, behavior, or qualities that are deserving of praise and approval. It is often used to acknowledge someone’s effort, conduct, or achievements that reflect positively on them.
Part of Speech: Adjective
Grammatical Forms: As an adjective, it remains unchanged across singular and plural forms (e.g., “a commendable act” vs. “commendable acts”).
Core Synonyms
Below is a table of key synonyms for “commendable,” including their nuanced definitions and example sentences:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Praiseworthy | Suggests something worthy of praise; formal tone | “Her praiseworthy dedication to the project did not go unnoticed.” | Formal/Academic |
| Admirable | Emphasizes a high moral quality or excellence | “His admirable resilience in difficult times is truly inspiring.” | Formal/Informal |
| Meritorious | Implies that recognition is earned through merit | “She received an award for her meritorious work in community service.” | Business/Formal |
| Laudable | Indicates approval, often in a formal context | “Their laudable initiative to support local businesses has been well-received.” | Formal/Professional |
| Exemplary | Represents the highest standard or ideal | “The team displayed exemplary teamwork throughout the project.” | Academic/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Business Writing: In professional contexts, using terms like “meritorious” can be effective when acknowledging someone’s achievements officially. For instance, during performance reviews, highlighting an employee’s meritorious contributions helps provide specific reasons for commendation.
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Academic Papers: Words such as “exemplary” and “laudable” fit well in academic writing to describe research or methodologies that set high standards. These terms can articulate respect and admiration without informal bias.
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Casual Speech: When conversing informally, “admirable” is a versatile choice due to its slightly more personal connotation. It’s suitable for everyday conversation where you want to express genuine respect or appreciation.
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Creative Writing: In narratives, “praiseworthy” can be used to describe a character’s virtues in a way that aligns with traditional storytelling tones, often lending a sense of gravitas and formality.
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake is using synonyms without considering the specific nuance each word carries. For example:
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Praiseworthy vs. Laudable: Both suggest approval but “laudable” might be better suited to more formal contexts where high praise is expected, whereas “praiseworthy” can fit a broader range of situations.
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Admirable vs. Exemplary: While both imply positivity and high standards, “exemplary” suggests surpassing others or setting an ideal standard, making it suitable for highlighting exceptional cases.
Final Recap
The word “commendable” is synonymous with several terms that express approval or admiration, such as “praiseworthy,” “admirable,” “meritorious,” “laudable,” and “exemplary.” Each synonym carries its own subtle distinction in meaning and context of use. Understanding these nuances can enrich your vocabulary and improve precision in communication across various settings.
Practice Tips: Try incorporating these synonyms into writing tasks or discussions to see how they fit into different contexts. Experiment with substituting them for “commendable” to notice shifts in tone and formality, enhancing both expressive capability and comprehension.