English Dictionary

Definition of “commiserate

commiserate (kəˈmɪzəˌreɪtPronunciation for commiserate

Definitions

verb

  1.  when intr, usually foll by with to feel or express sympathy or compassion (for)

Alternative Forms

comˈmiserable adjective comˌmiseˈration noun comˈmiserative adjective comˈmiseratively adverb comˈmiserˌator noun

Word Origin

C17: from Latin commiserārī,  from com-  together + miserārī  to bewail, pity, from miser wretched

Usage examples

  • He had tried to commiserate , assuring her she wasn't alone or useless or hateful or shallow or selfish.
    Parkes, Roger, Riot (1986)
  • The young ones don't complain, nor do they want us to commiserate with them.
    British Medical Journal (2002)
  • We commiserate about a wife's illness, a son's unemployment, or the death of a father.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • But Galway boss John O'Mahony had a smile on his face as he headed to commiserate with beaten Cork.
    Sun, News of the World (2001)
  • He had nothing whatsoever against Edward Parker, but he did not want any man to commiserate with him about the Surprise.
    O'Brian, Patrick, The Reverse of the Medal (1986)

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