Commiserated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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commiserated
[kษหmษชz.ษ.reษชtษชd ]
Definition
express sympathy
To commiserate means to express or feel sympathy or compassion for someone's misfortune. This often involves a shared sense of sorrow or sadness regarding a particular situation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She commiserated with him after his job loss.
- They commiserated over their mutual heartbreak.
- He commiserated with his friend during her tough times.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Sharing feelings of sadness can strengthen relationships, as it creates a bond of empathy.
- Research shows that expressing sympathy boosts the emotional well-being of both people involved.
- People who commiserate often feel less alone in their feelings, which can help in coping with stress.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often commiserate during tragic events, deepening the emotional impact of the story.
- Authors like Shakespeare and Hardy showcased this theme, using it to explore human connections in times of despair.
- Modern novels frequently illustrate characters who bond over shared hardships, reflecting real-life social dynamics.
Cultural Traditions
- In some cultures, communal grieving rituals allow people to commiserate collectively, reinforcing community ties.
- Songs and poetry often serve as expressions of commiseration, allowing artists to reach out to those who feel alone.
- Support groups and gatherings provide structured ways for individuals to commiserate and share their experiences.
Pop Culture
- Television shows often feature scenes where characters commiserate over shared experiences, making them relatable to viewers.
- Movies that focus on friendship often include moments of commiseration, which highlight the importance of empathy in relationships.
- Comedians sometimes use commiseration in their routines to connect with audiences through shared struggles.
Origin of 'commiserated'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Latin 'commiserari,' meaning 'to pity or feel for someone.'
- The prefix 'com-' suggests togetherness, while 'miserari' relates to misery or pity.
- The word's usage in English dates back to the mid-19th century and reflects a growing emphasis on emotional connection.
The word 'commiserate' originated in the late 19th century from the Latin 'commiserari', which combines 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'miserari', meaning 'to pity'. In English, it first appeared in the mid-1800s and has since evolved in usage to encompass expressions of sympathy among individuals facing hardships. The term suggests a holistic emotional connection, where individuals not only feel pity but also share in the suffering of another. Over time, 'commiserate' has become a more formal expression of shared sorrow, often used in both personal and professional contexts.