commiseration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Literary
Quick answer
What does “commiseration” mean?
Sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes or suffering of another person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes or suffering of another person.
The expression of such sympathy, often conveyed through words or gestures; a formal or social acknowledgment of shared sorrow.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The plural 'commiserations' is notably more frequent and formulaic in British English (e.g., 'Commiserations on your loss') than in American English, where 'condolences' is more typical for bereavement. The singular form is more consistently literary in both varieties.
Connotations
In American English, its use may sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned compared to 'sympathy' or 'empathy'.
Frequency
Used with low frequency in both varieties, but with higher relative frequency in UK English due to the conventional plural usage.
Grammar
How to Use “commiseration” in a Sentence
commiseration for [person/problem]commiseration with [person]commiseration over/on/at [event]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “commiseration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We should commiserate with the losing finalists.
- The players commiserated over a pint.
American English
- Let's commiserate with her about the lost promotion.
- They commiserated at the local bar.
adverb
British English
- She smiled commiseratively.
- He nodded commiseratively as I told my story.
American English
- 'That's tough,' he said commiseratively.
- The manager listened commiseratively to the complaint.
adjective
British English
- He gave her a commiserative look.
- A commiserative pat on the back was all he offered.
American English
- Her tone was commiserative.
- He offered a few commiserative words.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in formal communications after a failed bid or project: 'The CEO sent a note of commiseration to the team.'
Academic
Used in literary or historical analysis to discuss characters' emotional responses: 'The novel explores the commiseration between the two outcasts.'
Everyday
Most common in the plural as a set phrase to acknowledge minor misfortune: 'Commiserations on England losing the match.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “commiseration”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “commiseration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “commiseration”
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈkɒmɪz.../). Correct stress is on the third syllable: /...ˌreɪ.ʃən/.
- Using 'commiseration' as a verb. The verb is 'commiserate'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily the feeling of sympathy, but it also commonly refers to the expression or act of conveying that feeling (e.g., 'offering commiserations').
'Condolence' is almost exclusively used for death and bereavement. 'Commiseration' is broader, used for any misfortune, from minor setbacks to major tragedies, though it can also be used for death.
It is an intransitive verb usually followed by 'with' (commiserate with someone) or 'over' (commiserate over something). E.g., 'We commiserated with her over the bad news.'
No, it is correct, especially in more formal or literary contexts. The plural is simply more conventional in everyday spoken formulas of sympathy.
Sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes or suffering of another person.
Commiseration is usually formal / literary in register.
Commiseration: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌmɪz.əˈreɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌmɪz.əˈreɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Offer one's commiserations”
- “A chorus of commiseration”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'commiseration' as coming to share in someone's MISERY (com-MISER-ation).
Conceptual Metaphor
SORROW IS A SHARED BURDEN / EMOTIONAL PAIN IS A PHYSICAL WEIGHT LIFTED TOGETHER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the plural form 'commiserations' MOST idiomatic in British English?