Literary notes about Commendation (AI summary)
In literature, the term commendation frequently serves as a marker of approval or praise—both in personal correspondence and in more formal settings. It is used to convey the admiration accorded to a letter, character, performance, or deed, as when a writer receives praise for their work or when a character is elevated through the endorsement of influential figures ([1], [2]). At times, this praise is presented with an ironic twist or as part of a nuanced social commentary, reflecting the complexities of reputation and merit ([3], [4]). The word appears across diverse genres, from historical treatises and political writings to classic novels, consistently functioning as a shorthand for recognizing excellence or valor ([5], [6], [7]).
- I am very much flattered by your commendation of my last letter, for I write only for fame, and without any view to pecuniary emolument.
— from The Letters of Jane Austen by Jane Austen - The Senator’s commendation at least did one service for him, it elevated him in the opinion of Hawkeye.
— from The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner - FAIN. ’Tis well you don’t know what you say, or else your commendation would go near to make me either vain or jealous.
— from The Way of the World by William Congreve - His commendation of wine is probably a passing fancy, and may have arisen out of his own habits or tastes.
— from Laws by Plato - One member of this college, however, merits our highest commendation.
— from Cicero's Tusculan Disputations by Marcus Tullius Cicero - He received the special commendation of Suffren, in itself an honor and a reward.
— from The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 by A. T. Mahan - You will mar me with commendation, Put yourself to the charge of courting me, Whereas now I woo you. BOSOLA.
— from The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster
