Commit vs. Commend — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 13, 2024
Commit generally refers to the act of pledging or binding oneself to a certain course or policy, whereas commend means to praise, applaud, or endorse someone or something.
Difference Between Commit and Commend
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Key Differences
Commit involves dedicating oneself to a particular task, decision, or cause, often implying a long-term engagement or obligation. Whereas, commend is about expressing approval or admiration, typically in response to someone's actions or achievements.
When one commits, they might be making a promise, taking up a responsibility, or entering into a commitment that requires consistency and perseverance. On the other hand, to commend someone usually involves acknowledging their efforts or quality in a positive light, which can be motivational.
Commitment can be seen in contexts like relationships, work, or legal agreements, where it denotes a sense of duty or a binding promise. Whereas commendation is common in social, educational, or professional settings as a way of appreciating and valuing others' contributions.
While committing has a more serious and sometimes legal binding connotation, commending is generally non-binding and more about moral or emotional support.
The action to commit can sometimes be challenging as it involves dedication and sometimes sacrifice; commending someone, however, is a positive interaction that enhances social bonds and encourages further positive behavior.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To pledge or bind oneself to something
To praise or express approval
Connotation
Serious, binding
Positive, encouraging
Contexts
Relationships, contracts, promises
Awards, recognitions, feedback
Emotional Tone
Determined, responsible
Appreciative, supportive
Outcome
Long-term engagement
Immediate positive reinforcement
Compare with Definitions
Commit
Commit a crime.
The suspect was arrested for committing a robbery.
Commend
Commend a performance.
The director commended the cast for an excellent performance.
Commit
Commit oneself.
She committed herself to a year of voluntary service.
Commend
Commend leadership.
He was commended for his exceptional leadership during the crisis.
Commit
Commit resources.
The company committed significant resources to research.
Commend
Entrust someone or something to
As they set out on their journey I commend them to your care
Commit
To do, perform, or perpetrate
Commit a murder.
Commend
Commend for bravery.
The firefighter was commended for his bravery.
Commit
To put in trust or charge; entrust
Commit oneself to the care of a doctor.
Commit responsibilities to an assistant.
Commend
Commend a decision.
The new policy was highly commended by the board.
Commit
To consign for future use or for preservation
We must commit the necessary funds for the project.
Commend
Praise formally or officially
He was commended by the judge for his courageous actions
Commit
To place officially in confinement or custody, as in a mental health facility.
Commend
Present as suitable for approval or acceptance; recommend
I commend her to you without reservation
Commit
To put into a place to be disposed of or kept safe
Committed the manuscript to the flames.
Commend
To express approval of; praise
Commended the volunteers for their hard work.
Commit
To make known the views of (oneself) on an issue
I never commit myself on such issues.
Commend
To represent as worthy, qualified, or desirable; recommend
I commend her book to you.
Commit
To bind, obligate, or devote, as by a pledge
They were committed to follow orders. She committed herself to her art.
Commend
To cause to be worthy of recommendation
There is much about her book to commend it.
Commit
To refer (a legislative bill, for example) to a committee.
Commend
To commit to the care of another; entrust
Commended the orphans to the care of a guardian.
Commit
To pledge, obligate, or devote one's own self
Felt that he was too young to commit fully to marriage.
Commend
(transitive) To congratulate or reward.
The schoolboy was commended for raising the alarm about the burning building.
Commit
(transitive) To give in trust; to put into charge or keeping; to entrust; to consign; used with to or formerly unto.
Commend
(transitive) To praise or acclaim.
Commit
(transitive) To imprison: to forcibly place in a jail.
Commend
(transitive) To entrust or commit to the care of someone else.
Commit
(transitive) To forcibly evaluate and treat in a medical facility, particularly for presumed mental illness.
Tony should be committed to a nuthouse!
Commend
(transitive) To mention by way of courtesy, implying remembrance and goodwill.
Commit
(transitive) To do (something bad); to perpetrate, as a crime, sin, or fault.
To commit murder
To commit a series of heinous crimes
Commend
(transitive) To recommend.
Commit
(ambitransitive) To pledge or bind; to compromise, expose, or endanger by some decisive act or preliminary step. Traditionally used only reflexively but now also without oneself etc.
To commit oneself to a certain action
To commit to a relationship
Commend
To adorn; to set off.
Commit
To make a set of changes permanent.
Commend
(obsolete) Commendation; praise.
Commit
To integrate new revisions into the public or master version of a file in a version control system.
Commend
Compliments; greetings.
Commit
To enter into a contest; to match; often followed by with.
Commend
To commit, intrust, or give in charge for care or preservation.
His eye commends the leading to his hand.
Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.
Commit
To confound.
Commend
To recommend as worthy of confidence or regard; to present as worthy of notice or favorable attention.
Among the objects of knowledge, two especially commend themselves to our contemplation.
I commend unto you Phebe our sister.
Commit
To commit an offence; especially, to fornicate.
Commend
To mention with approbation; to praise; as, to commend a person or an act.
Historians commend Alexander for weeping when he read the actions of Achilles.
Commit
To be committed or perpetrated; to take place; to occur.
Commend
To mention by way of courtesy, implying remembrance and good will.
Commend me to my brother.
Commit
The act of committing (e.g. a database transaction), making it a permanent change; such a change.
Commend
Commendation; praise.
Speak in his just commend.
Commit
(programming) The submission of source code or other material to a source control repository.
Commend
Compliments; greetings.
Hearty commends and much endeared love to you.
Commit
To give in trust; to put into charge or keeping; to intrust; to consign; - used with to, unto.
Commit thy way unto the Lord.
Bid him farewell, commit him to the grave.
Commend
Express approval of
Commit
To put in charge of a jailor; to imprison.
These two were committed.
Commend
Present as worthy of regard, kindness, or confidence;
His paintings commend him to the artistic world
Commit
To do; to perpetrate, as a crime, sin, or fault.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Commend
Give to in charge;
I commend my children to you
Commit
To join for a contest; to match; - followed by with.
Commend
Express a good opinion of
Commit
To pledge or bind; to compromise, expose, or endanger by some decisive act or preliminary step; - often used reflexively; as, to commit one's self to a certain course.
You might have satisfied every duty of political friendship, without commiting the honor of your sovereign.
Any sudden assent to the proposal . . . might possibly be considered as committing the faith of the United States.
Commend
Mention as by way of greeting or to indicate friendship;
Remember me to your wife
Commit
To confound.
Committing short and long [quantities].
Commend
Commend someone’s effort.
She was commended for her dedication to the project.
Commit
To sin; esp., to be incontinent.
Commit not with man's sworn spouse.
Commit
Perform an act, usually with a negative connotation;
Perpetrate a crime
Pull a bank robbery
Commit
Give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause;
She committed herself to the work of God
Give one's talents to a good cause
Consecrate your life to the church
Commit
Cause to be admitted; of persons to an institution;
After the second episode, she had to be committed
He was committed to prison
Commit
Confer a trust upon;
The messenger was entrusted with the general's secret
I commit my soul to God
Commit
Make an investment;
Put money into bonds
Commit
Commit to a task.
He committed to completing the project by next month.
Commit
Commit to memory.
He committed all the details to memory for the exam.
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to commend someone?
To commend someone means to praise, applaud, or express approval of their actions or character.
What are some common contexts where commit is used?
Commit is often used in contexts involving promises, relationships, responsibilities, or legal agreements.
What are some common contexts where commend is used?
Commend is typically used in contexts involving giving praise, such as in feedback, recognitions, or awards.
What does it mean to commit to something?
To commit to something means to pledge oneself to a specific task, cause, or policy, often implying a long-term or serious engagement.
Is committing legally binding?
In some contexts, like contracts or agreements, committing can have legal implications.
What is the emotional tone associated with committing?
Committing usually has a serious and determined tone, as it often involves personal or professional responsibilities.
Is commending legally binding?
No, commending is not legally binding; it is a form of expressing moral or emotional support.
Can commit and commend be used interchangeably?
No, commit and commend cannot be used interchangeably as they have different meanings and uses.
What is the emotional tone associated with commending?
Commending has a positive and supportive tone, as it involves expressing admiration or approval.
How do different cultures view commitment and commendation?
Cultural perceptions can vary, with some cultures placing a high value on commitment and duty, while others may emphasize the importance of public commendation and recognition.
Can a person commend themselves?
It is more common for others to commend a person, but self-commendation can occur, typically in the form of self-praise or self-acknowledgment.
How does committing affect personal relationships?
Committing in personal relationships implies a dedication and promise that can strengthen bonds.
How does commending affect professional relationships?
Commending in professional settings can boost morale and foster a supportive and appreciative work environment.
What can be the consequences of failing to commend where it is due?
Failing to commend where it is due can lead to demotivation and a lack of recognition for effort and achievement.
What can be the consequences of failing to commit?
Failing to commit can lead to broken promises or agreements, affecting trust and reliability.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
