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Definition of commiseration

commiseration

/kəˌmɪz.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
com · mis · er · a · tion
Adverb:commiseratively
•
Plural:commiserations
•
Adjective:commiserative
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commiseration Lexical Profile

commiseration Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes, suffering, or disappointments of others; compassion.

Example

"She offered her sincere commiseration to her colleague after his research grant proposal was rejected."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Often used in the plural ('commiserations') in British English as a polite expression of sympathy to someone who has experienced a minor disappointment, such as losing a competition or failing an exam.

• Rhymes for commiseration

• Nearby Words

commingle
commiserate
commiseratingly
commiseration
commish
commissar
commissary

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from French commisération or directly from Latin commiserationem, derived from the verb commiserari ('to bewail with or pity'), combining com- ('with') and miserari ('to lament or bewail'), from miser ('wretched').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Commiseration. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/commiseration
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