Praise vs. Commend — What's the Difference?

Praise and commend are both positive acknowledgments, but they serve slightly different purposes and contexts. Praise is often used to express admiration or approval in a broad sense, focusing on someone's actions, behavior, or general qualities. It is a direct, heartfelt expression that can be informal and spontaneous. Commend, on the other hand, implies a more formal recognition of someone's achievements or qualities, often with the notion of recommending them for others' notice.

While praise is a general expression that can be given by anyone to anyone for nearly any reason, commendation often comes from a position of authority or within a formal setting. For example, a teacher may commend a student's work to the school principal, or an employee might be commended for their dedication during a company meeting.

Praise can be seen as a tool for encouragement, fostering a positive atmosphere and motivating individuals to continue their commendable actions. Commending someone, while also encouraging, carries a sense of official acknowledgment and can sometimes be associated with awards, honors, or public recognition.

The act of praising is more common in daily interactions and can be as simple as complimenting a friend's cooking. Commending, however, might be used in situations where someone's actions or achievements are being highlighted for the purpose of setting an example or acknowledging exceptional effort.

Both praise and commendation are important in different contexts. Praise helps build confidence and self-esteem, while commendation not only does this but also elevates the individual's standing in a community or organization by formally acknowledging their contributions or achievements.