Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/kəˈmɪzəˌreɪt/

Definitions

• To express or feel sympathy or pity for someone, especially when they are experiencing misfortune or distress.
• To show or feel sorrow or compassion for someone’s hardship or loss.

Usage Examples

• She commiserated with him after he lost his job, offering a comforting word.
• He commiserated with his friend over the difficulties she was going through in her personal life.
• It was clear that the community commiserated with the families who had suffered in the tragedy.

Etymology

The word 'commiserate' comes from the Latin 'commiserari,' which means 'to pity' or 'to feel sympathy for.' The term was adopted into English in the early 17th century, with its original meaning remaining focused on expressing compassion for others' misfortune.

Synonyms

• Sympathize
• Console
• Commune
• Condole
• Empathize

Antonyms

• Indifference
• Disdain
• Ignore
• Mock
• Ridicule

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of 'commiserate' may slightly vary across English-speaking regions. For example, in British English, it is often pronounced with a shorter 'i' sound, while in American English, the 'i' is pronounced with a longer sound.

Historical Usage

Historically, the term 'commiserate' was often used in formal contexts, especially in literature and letters, to express sympathy for personal losses or tragedies. In more recent years, it has become common in everyday language to express empathy for various situations beyond personal loss, such as societal issues or struggles.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, to 'commiserate' is considered a sign of emotional connection, showing that one feels another's pain and misfortune. However, in certain regions, the idea of expressing sympathy may be less common or culturally specific, and people might prefer to offer more practical help rather than emotional support.

More Information

To 'commiserate' with someone involves more than just offering words of sympathy. It is a way of showing solidarity with someone experiencing difficulty. In a professional context, especially in the workplace, commiserating can help build rapport and trust between colleagues. However, in some situations, excessive commiseration might be seen as insincere or patronizing, so it is important to strike a balance in how one expresses their sympathy.