commiserate

[kuh-miz-uh-reyt] /kəˈmɪz əˌreɪt/
verb (used with object), commiserated, commiserating.
1.
to feel or express sorrow or sympathy for; empathize with; pity.
verb (used without object), commiserated, commiserating.
2.
to sympathize (usually followed by with):
They commiserated with him over the loss of his job.
Origin
1585-95; < Latin commiserātus (past participle of commiserārī), equivalent to com- com- + miser pitiable (see misery) + -ātus -ate1
Related forms
commiserable, adjective
commiseration, noun
commiserative, adjective
commiseratively, adverb
commiserator, noun
noncommiseration, noun
noncommiserative, adjective
noncommiseratively, adverb
uncommiserated, adjective
uncommiserating, adjective
uncommiserative, adjective
uncommiseratively, adverb
Can be confused
commensurate, commiserate.
Examples from the web for commiserate
  • People feel a need to commiserate or get together and talk about what's important to them.
  • We commiserate when the compressors are down and give the thumbs up when things are going right.
  • Employees were placed into a step commiserate with their current salary.
  • For those of you inclined to commiserate, read on it you want.
  • It is also a place to meet with other teachers undergoing the process, support each other, and sometimes to commiserate.
  • We are able to commiserate with their hurts, and celebrate with their successes.
British Dictionary definitions for commiserate

commiserate

/kəˈmɪzəˌreɪt/
verb
1.
when intr, usually foll by with. to feel or express sympathy or compassion (for)
Derived Forms
commiserable, adjective
commiseration, noun
commiserative, adjective
commiseratively, adverb
commiserator, noun
Word Origin
C17: from Latin commiserārī, from com- together + miserārī to bewail, pity, from miser wretched
Word Origin and History for commiserate
v.

c.1600, from Latin commiseratus, past participle of commiserari "to pity, bewail" (see commiseration). Related: Commiserated; commiserating. An Old English loan-translation of commiserate was efensargian.