Recommendation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recommendation

[ˌrɛkəmɛnˈdeɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

job search

A suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action, especially one put forward by an authoritative body or person.

Synonyms

advice, guidance, suggestion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
recommendation	Recommendation is used when you strongly advise someone to do something based on your own positive experience or expertise. It often implies a formal or well-considered opinion. I have a recommendation for a great restaurant you should try. The doctor gave me a recommendation to see a specialist.
advice	Advice is used when you offer guidance or an opinion to help someone make a decision. It can be on a personal level and carry a more informal tone. My friend gave me some good advice about managing stress. I need your advice on which job offer to accept.
suggestion	Suggestion is used when you offer an idea or a possibility. It is less forceful than a recommendation and often implies that the person has other options. She made a suggestion to take the scenic route. I have a suggestion for how we can improve the project.
guidance	Guidance is used when you need more structured help or direction, usually involving mentoring or coaching. It implies continuous support rather than a one-time suggestion. The counselor provided guidance on how to cope with anxiety. I need guidance while navigating through my career change.

Examples of usage

Can you give me a recommendation for a good restaurant in town?
I need a recommendation for a new book to read.
She asked her teacher for a recommendation letter for college.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

academic

A letter or statement written by someone who knows you well, especially a teacher, employer, or doctor, to describe your character, qualifications, or abilities and provide a positive reference.

Synonyms

endorsement, reference, testimonial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
recommendation	Note: The word 'recommendation' was mentioned twice. See above for the correct context and usage examples.
reference	This is commonly used in professional settings when someone vouches for your skills, experience, or character based on past interactions. It can also refer to citing a source or evidence in academic or research works. You can use my name as a reference when applying for the job. The article included references to several important studies.
testimonial	This often appears in marketing and is a personal statement from a satisfied customer or client about their positive experience with a product or service. It typically aims to persuade others. The website is full of positive testimonials from happy customers. After using the new software, I provided a testimonial explaining how it improved my workflow.
endorsement	This word is often used in commercial contexts when a person, often a public figure, supports or promotes a product or service. It usually has a connotation of official approval. The celebrity's endorsement of the skincare brand boosted its sales enormously. Politicians often seek endorsements from influential community leaders.

Examples of usage

He asked his former boss to write him a recommendation for the job.
She submitted three recommendations along with her college application.
The professor's recommendation played a key role in securing her admission to the program.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

product/service

An official statement from a previous customer or client affirming the performance, quality, and/or value of a product or service.

Synonyms

endorsement, review, testimonial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
recommendation	Used when suggesting something or someone as good or suitable. Often involves general advice or suggestions. I need a recommendation for a good hotel in Paris. The teacher gave a recommendation for the best study techniques.
review	Used when someone gives their opinion about something, typically in more detailed, formal or informal feedback. It can be positive, negative, or neutral. I wrote a review of the new restaurant in town. The movie received mixed reviews from critics.
testimonial	Used in contexts where personal experiences are shared as evidence of the quality or effectiveness of something. Often used in promotional material. The website displayed customer testimonials about their excellent service. She gave a heartfelt testimonial about how the program changed her life.
endorsement	Commonly used in professional or commercial contexts to show formal support or approval, often involving public figures or brands. The product received an endorsement from a famous athlete. Her endorsement helped boost the charity's campaign.

Examples of usage

The positive recommendations on the website influenced my decision to purchase the product.
She received glowing recommendations for her exceptional customer service.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'recommendation'

The word 'recommendation' originated from the Latin word 'recommendare,' which means 'to entrust to someone's care.' Over time, the term evolved to signify a suggestion or proposal for the best course of action. In modern usage, recommendations play a crucial role in various aspects of life, from job searches to academic pursuits and consumer decisions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,120, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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