commiserate
/kəˈmɪz.ər.eɪt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To show sympathy for someone who is unhappy or has a problem. It often means you share their sadness or pity their situation.
- She commiserated with him after the bad news.
- We commiserated over our failed exams.
Adinary Nuance
Commiserate is close to sympathize, console, and comfort, but it is more about sharing someone’s bad feeling. You commiserate with a person who is upset or struggling, often by talking about the problem together. It sounds a little formal, so it is common in writing and polite conversation.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- đồng cảm
- Spanish
- compadecerse
- Chinese
- 同情
- Japanese
- 同情する
- Korean
- 동정하다
Etymology
From Latin commiserari, meaning 'to pity greatly' or 'feel sympathy for'. It entered English in the 17th century.
Common phrases
commiserate with someonecommiserate over somethingmutual commiseration
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is commiserate formal or informal?
- It is slightly formal. People use it in writing, polite speech, and careful conversation.
- What is the difference between commiserate and sympathize?
- Both show shared sadness, but commiserate often suggests talking together about the problem.
- Can I use commiserate in a positive situation?
- Usually no. It is used for problems, disappointment, or sadness.
- How do I use commiserate in a sentence?
- Use it with 'with' or 'over': 'She commiserated with her friend over the loss.'