Commiserate - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

express sympathy

To commiserate means to express sympathy or sorrow for someone's misfortune. It is a way of showing compassion and understanding towards another person.

Synonyms

console, pity, sympathize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
commiserate	When you want to express sorrow or empathy for someone's misfortune in a very heartfelt or sincere manner. This term is often used when there's mutual sharing of feelings. After he lost his job, his friends gathered to commiserate with him. She called to commiserate after hearing about his accident.
sympathize	Appropriate for expressing understanding and sharing someone's feelings, particularly in situations of grief or distress. This word emphasizes empathy and emotional support. I can sympathize with her situation since I've been through something similar. They sympathized with the victims of the natural disaster.
console	In situations where someone needs comfort and reassurance after a loss or a difficult experience. This word is often used when one person gives comfort to another. She tried to console her friend after her breakup. The team consoled the player who missed the winning shot.
pity	Generally used when you feel sorrow or compassion for someone who is suffering, but it can also have a negative connotation, implying a sense of superiority or condescension. He felt pity for the homeless man on the street. She doesn't want your pity; she wants your help.

Examples of usage

I commiserated with my friend after her pet passed away.
She commiserated with her colleague who lost his job.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that expressing empathy, like commiserating, can strengthen social bonds and foster emotional support.
It's often linked to feelings of compassion and solidarity during difficult times.
People who commiserate effectively tend to be perceived as more caring and understanding.

Literature

Many authors use commiseration as a theme, showing how characters support each other through grief.
Classic novels often depict friendship deepening through commiserative conversations during tough situations.
Dramatic poetry frequently explores the tension and connection created by shared sorrow.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, sharing sadness through commiseration is a vital part of community support and healing.
Rituals such as wakes or memorials often involve everyone commiserating together, honoring shared grief.
In some traditions, communal meals are prepared after a loss, emphasizing the importance of coming together in times of sadness.

Pop Culture

Many movies include scenes where friends commiserate over a shared breakup or loss, highlighting the power of friendship.
TV shows often portray characters having 'venting sessions', which is a modern form of commiseration.
Social media has created new avenues for people to commiserate virtually, allowing support across distances.

Origin of 'commiserate'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Latin word 'commiserari', where 'com-' means together and 'miserari' means to be miserable.
It has been used in English since the early 17th century, reflecting the idea of sharing sorrow.
Originally, it implied not only feeling sad for someone but also actively participating in their sadness.

The word 'commiserate' originated from the Latin word 'commiseratus', which is the past participle of 'commiserari', meaning 'to pity'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to convey the act of showing sympathy or empathy towards others in times of distress or sorrow.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,464 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34461 redneck
34462 contortion
34463 tocsin
34464 commiserate
34465 hieroglyph
34466 loggerhead
34467 underling
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Commiserate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations