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 commiseration
  • People will pick it up expecting a tasty blend of commiseration and advice.
  • Apparently she never got the memo that our gatherings were outlets for complaint and commiseration.
  • Indeed, it's unlikely there is a ski area operator out there who isn't shaking his or her head in commiseration.
  • It's an olive branch of commiseration about what is not, and a hopeful readiness for what is.
  • It's possible we've reached a moment of creative commiseration.
  • If she gives it as fact, it tx cites commiseration for the weakness of her judgment.
  • On the contrary, he is an object of commiseration to his friends.
British Dictionary definitions for commiseration

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 commiseration
n.

1580s, from Middle French commisération, from Latin commiserationem (nominative commiseratio) "act or fact of pitying," noun of action from past participle stem of commiserari "to pity," from com- intensive prefix (see com-) + miserari "bewail, lament," from miser "wretched" (see miser).

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.