Commiserating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ข
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commiserating

[kษ™หˆmษชz.ษ™หŒreษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

expressing sympathy

To commiserate means to express or feel sympathy or pity for someone. It often involves sharing in the feelings of others, particularly during a difficult time or after a loss. This term conveys a sense of shared sorrow or understanding.

Synonyms

compassionate, condole, console, sympathize.

Examples of usage

  • She sat with her friend, commiserating over their job losses.
  • The community came together, commiserating in the aftermath of the disaster.
  • He called to commiserate after hearing about her breakup.

Translations

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Origin of 'commiserating'

The word 'commiserate' comes from the Latin word 'commiserari', which means 'to feel pity or compassion together'. The prefix 'com-' translates to 'with' or 'together', while 'miserari' relates to 'to pity'. This etymology reflects the essence of the word, emphasizing the shared experience of sympathy. The term has been used in the English language since the early 18th century, indicating a long-standing tradition of expressing empathy and understanding in human relationships. Through literature and everyday conversations, 'commiserating' has become an important aspect of social interaction, especially in contexts where individuals seek emotional support during challenging times.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,640, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.