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commiserate

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "commiserate": To commiserate is to express or feel sympathy or pity for someone’s misfortune. The word carries a s

What does "commiserate" mean?

To commiserate is to express or feel sympathy or pity for someone’s misfortune. The word carries a sense of "suffering together," derived from its Latin roots, implying that you are joining someone in their emotional state of distress rather than just observing it from afar. It is typically used in formal or serious contexts where someone has experienced a significant loss, failure, or hardship. You would "commiserate with" a colleague over a missed deadline or a friend over a personal setback, emphasizing shared empathy rather than pitying them from a position of superiority.

"commiserate" in conversation

Workplace disappointment

I can't believe the project didn't get approved after all that work.

I can't believe the project didn't get approved after all that work.

I know, I’m here to commiserate with you; it’s a huge loss for the whole team.

I know, I’m here to commiserate with you; it’s a huge loss for the whole team.

Used here to validate a colleague's frustration.

Casual catch-up

My car broke down again on the way to the interview.

My car broke down again on the way to the interview.

Oh no, I’m so sorry! Let’s grab a coffee so we can properly commiserate.

Oh no, I’m so sorry! Let’s grab a coffee so we can properly commiserate.

Used to suggest a space to vent and share feelings.

"commiserate" in a sentence

  1. We gathered to commiserate over the team's defeat.

    We gathered to commiserate over the team's defeat.

  2. It is natural to commiserate with those who have suffered a great loss.

    It is natural to commiserate with those who have suffered a great loss.

  3. The residents commiserated with one another as they surveyed the damage caused by the storm.

    The residents commiserated with one another as they surveyed the damage caused by the storm.

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