commendation
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “commendation” mean?
noun.praise; an official award.
SAT Usage
Commendation often appears in contexts related to achievement, recognition, or evaluation, particularly in discussions about education, leadership, or awards. It emphasizes formal acknowledgment of someone's efforts or accomplishments, distinguishing it from mere praise by suggesting a level of official approval or distinction.
Common Confusions
Commendation implies formal recognition of achievement, while accolade usually suggests a more general expression of praise or admiration without the same level of official endorsement.
Example Sentences
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He received a commendation for his bravery during the fire.
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Winning the award was the highest commendation of his career.
Word Parts: How to Remember “commendation”
Break “commendation” into its parts: co- (together, with). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
co-together, with (Latin)