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Commiseration: meaning, definitions and examples

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commiseration

 

[ kΙ™ΛŒmΙͺzΙ™ΛˆreΙͺΚƒΙ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

expression of sympathy

Commiseration refers to the act of expressing sympathy or sorrow for someone's misfortune. It often involves feelings of compassion and an understanding of another person's emotional suffering. This term is commonly used in contexts where one individual wishes to show solidarity or support to someone enduring difficult circumstances.

Synonyms

compassion, condolence, pity, sorrow, sympathy.

Examples of usage

  • She offered her commiseration after hearing about the loss.
  • His commiseration was appreciated during my tough times.
  • They shared their commiseration for the victims of the disaster.
  • Offering commiseration is sometimes all a friend needs.

Etymology

The word 'commiseration' has its roots in the Latin word 'commiseratio', meaning 'compassion' or 'sympathy'. This Latin term itself is derived from 'commiserari', which means 'to feel pity or compassion for'. The 'com-' prefix signifies 'together' or 'with', while 'miserari' is related to 'miser', meaning 'wretched' or 'poor'. This evolution reflects the idea of coming together with someone in their sorrow. The term entered the English language in the late 16th century, initially used in contexts of deep sympathy, particularly related to grief or loss. Over time, it has broadened to encompass any expression of compassion for another's misfortune. Today, 'commiseration' captures the essence of shared sorrow and empathy, often employed in both formal and informal communications, emphasizing the social bond that arises in moments of hardship.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,810, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.