recommendn.
/ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/, U.S. /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/, Scottish English /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/ Originally Scottish. Now colloquial.† 1. Scottish. The action of recommending; recommendation. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boece Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) 5948 Bayth far and neir thair herauldis haif tha send Greitand thame weill with hartlie recommend.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boece Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) 18059 To Fyncormak he hes send..With lowage langage full of pomp and pryde, In haist ane herald, bot ony recommend.
2. An instance of this; a recommendation (in various senses). Cf. recommends n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > recommendation > [noun] > a recommendation
commend1488
commendation1538
recommendc1550
sanction1791
c1550 Clariodus (1830) v. 1730 Ane lustie huid [etc.]..quhilk Earle Estur hir send..with ane recommend.
1700 R. Calef More Wonders Invisible World ii. 45 It seems amazing, that you should not only give it [sc. a book] such a recommend, but that you should send it to me.
1799 L. Dow Diary 27 Nov. in Life & Trav. (1804) 141 This morning, I went on shore, having no proper recommends with me.
1892 B. Potter Jrnl. (1966) 227 Miss Emmet..wedged in a recommend of farmhouse lodgings of her cousins.
1924 J. Galsworthy White Monkey i. viii. 65 They'll give you a good recommend, won't they?
2007 Idaho Statesman (Nexis) 30 May I'm still hoping someone..will suggest some good summer reads... Send me your recommends by clicking here.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
recommendv.1
/ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/, U.S. /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/ a. transitive. To praise, extol, or commend (a person). Obsolete (but cf. sense 6).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > commend or praise [verb (transitive)]
heryc735
mickleeOE
loveOE
praise?c1225
upraisea1300
alosec1300
commenda1340
allow1340
laud1377
lose1377
avauntc1380
magnifya1382
enhancea1400
roosea1400
recommendc1400
recommanda1413
to bear up?a1425
exalt1430
to say well (also evil, ill, etc.) of (also by)1445
laudifyc1470
gloryc1475
advance1483
to bear out1485
prizec1485
to be or to have in laudationa1500
joya1500
extol1509
collaud1512
concend?1521
solemnize?1521
celebrate1522
stellify1523
to set up1535
well-word1547
predicate1552
glorify1557
to set forth1565
admire1566
to be up with1592
voice1594
magnificate1598
plaud1598
concelebrate1599
encomionize1599
to con laud1602
applauda1616
panegyrize1617
acclamate1624
to set offa1625
acclaim1626
raise1645
complement1649
encomiate1651
voguec1661
phrase1675
to set out1688
Alexander1700
talk1723
panegyricize1777
bemouth1799
eulogizea1810
rhapsodize1819
crack up1829
rhapsody1847
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xv. 228 (MED) Riche men he recomendeth.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 6 Seeyng that Jason was somoche recommended of euery man.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xi. 6 b/2 The fyrste..was a good knyght, & greatly recommended.
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 420 The oratours highly praised and recommended captaine Chares, saying: Lo what a brave man is here.
1739 Burkitt's Expos. Notes N.T. (ed. 11) Matt. xxiii. 33 They continued in their own Wickedness, and yet recommended the saints Departed.
b. transitive. To praise or approve (a thing). Obsolete (but cf. sense 4).
ΚΠ
c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 7 The vertu of prudence ought greteli to be recommended.
c1475 tr. Secreta Secret. (Tripolitanus abbrev.) (1977) 314 (MED) The peeple doon thaire power to exalte the laude and honeure of the kinge, recommending his good and vertuous operacions.
1595 W. Jones tr. G. B. Nenna Nennio f. 21 This new and witty argument..was with a pleasant laughter recommended of the whole companie.
1705 G. Stanhope Paraphr. Epist. & Gospels II. 278 This glorious Testimony when Jesus had recommended as a Truth inspired from Heaven [etc.].
1757 D. Hume Hist. Great Brit. II. 308 Their blind zeal had often led them..to praise and recommend the assassination of their enemies.
2. † a. transitive. To entrust, consign, commit (something) to (also unto) a person or thing for attention, care, consideration, or use. Cf. recommand v.1 1d. Obsolete.In early use frequently in dedications: to submit (a work) to a patron or the like.† d. transitive. To communicate or report (a thing) to a person; (without complement) to mention (something). Obsolete.† e. transitive. To inform (a person). Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)] > commit to care or custody of another
givea1000
beteachc1000
teachc1000
betake1297
trust1340
bekena1375
commenda1382
putc1390
recommanda1393
commitc1405
recommendc1405
resignc1425
allot1473
commise1474
commanda1500
consign1528
in charge (of)1548
credit1559
incommend1574
entrusta1586
aret1590
be-giftc1590
concredit1593
betrust1619
concrede1643
subcommit1681
to farm out1786
confide1861
fide1863
doorstep1945
to foster out1960
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > hope > confident hope, trust > trust in, rely on [verb (transitive)] > entrust to another
recommandc1380
putc1390
recommendc1405
lippenc1480
rely1585
recommit1658
c1405 (c1375) G. Chaucer Monk's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 633 Lucan, to thee this storie I recomende And to Sweton, and to Valerius.
a1475 (a1450) J. Shirley tr. Secreta Secret. (BL Add.) (1977) 229 (MED) [H]ere begynneth..The Secrete of Secretes..translated..by..Johan Shirley..which [he] recommendeth and submittetth to the noblesse and the supportacion of youre excellent discression to correct.
1590 Articles against Cartwright in T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. (1655) ix. 201 After it was perused by others..he recommended the same to the censures, and judgements of moe brethren.
1598 J. Stow Suruay of London Ep. Ded. A3v I recommend this [worke] to your view, my laboures to your consideration, and my selfe to your seruice.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) v. i. 87 [He] denide me mine owne purse, Which I had recommended to his vse, Not halfe an houre before. View more context for this quotation
1620 N. Brent tr. P. Sarpi Hist. Councel of Trent ii. 251 The superiour did recommend the vacant Church, to some honest and worthy man, to gouerne it..vntil a Rector were prouided.
1675 R. Vaughan Disc. Coin & Coinage Ep. Ded. sig. A3v I presumed..to recommend unto your Lordships hand this Treatise.
1720 D. Manley Power of Love iv. 238 Having tenderly recommended to his Lady the care of her Conduct in his Absence.
1756 (title) The Case of the Importation of Bar Iron from our own Colonies of North America; humbly recommended to the consideration of the present Parliament, by the Iron Manufacturers of Great Britain.
1808 T. Jefferson Let. 1 Dec. in Writings (1984) 1197 It [sc. a cask of rice] arrived in time..to be sown. I divided it between the Agricultural Society of Charleston and some private gentlemen of Georgia, recommending it to their care.
b. transitive. To commit (oneself or another) to a person or thing, or to someone's care, prayers, etc. Cf. recommand v.1 1c. Now rare.In some cases perhaps with implication of sense 6b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)] > commit to care or custody of another > specifically a person
bequeathc1225
commendc1386
recommandc1391
commanda1400
recommendc1405
remit?a1425
c1405 (c1380) G. Chaucer Second Nun's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 544 I axed þis of heuene kyng To han respit thre dayes and namo To recomende to yow..Thise soules.
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 42 (MED) Þan wil þei take leue of the monkes & recommenden hem to here preyeres.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1537) xlvii. f. 91v My sonne I recommend to the Helia thy stepmother.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 184 His yonger brother..had recommended his daughter to his tuition and guardenage.
a1649 W. Drummond Hist. James V in Wks. (1711) 92 He..recommended himself to the Sea in the Spring Time.
1713 tr. in R. Steele Guardian No. 17 He led her to a Relation's House, to whose Care he recommended her for that Night.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. ii. xi. 245 Fanny..was..recommended to the Care of a Maid-Servant of the House, who helped her to new dress, and clean herself.
1806 J. Lingard Antiq. Anglo-Saxon Church I. vi. 298 They recommended themselves to the prayers of those, who were distinguished by the austerity and sanctity of their lives.
1907 J. Conrad Secret Agent xii. 422 If Comrade Ossipon did not recommend his terrified soul to Lombroso, it was only because..he could not believe that he carried about him such a thing as a soul.
c. transitive. To commend or commit (a person, oneself, one's soul, etc.) to God or his keeping. Also occasionally intransitive, or without prepositional phrase. Cf. commend v. 1b. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > soul > [verb (transitive)] > commit to God
recommandc1380
recommend1418
recommit?1521
1418 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 30 (MED) I recommende my saule to almyghty god, to..seint marie..& to alle the Seintes in heuene.
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 177 (MED) He cutteth a gret pece of his flesch..recommendynge him to his god.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxviii. 576 He made the signe of the crosse vpon him, and recomended to our lorde.
1572 J. Higgins Huloets Dict. (rev. ed.) (at cited entry) To recommende him selfe to God.
1611 Bible (King James) Acts xiv. 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God. View more context for this quotation
1676 J. Ray Corr. (1848) 124 I recommend you to the Divine protection.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 7. ¶6 When I lay me down to Sleep, I recommend my self to his Care.
1770 H. Brooke Fool of Quality V. 209 I recommended my Spirit in a short Ejaculation.
1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest II. ix. 52 I..silently recommended myself to God.
1883 R. L. Stevenson Treasure Island v. xxiii. 189 I..devoutly recommended my spirit to its Maker.
1999 J. D. Barlow tr. J. Améry On Suicide ii. 39 They took her corpse away, the pastor recommended her soul to God.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > reporting > report [verb (transitive)]
i-telle971
reckOE
tella1382
brevea1400
reportc1450
recount1477
reapport1486
refera1500
renowna1500
relate1530
informa1533
recommend1533
reaccount1561
re-report1599
yielda1616
delatea1639
narrate1656
bulletin1838
1533 Bp. S. Gardiner Let. to Cromwell 13 June (1933) 53 Forasmoch as..ye shewed yourself glad that I should be pryve to their sutes with youe, I have thought good therefor to recommende them unto youe by my letters.
1599 Warning for Faire Women ii. 77 I'll leave you, sir, to recommend my thanks Unto your kind respective wife.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xxxix. l. 1055 Some of them have recommended to posteritie..that in this one yeere there dyed three renowned captaines.
a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) 119 Concerning him so to come, and to be incarnate, two things are recommended in this Prophecie.
1652 G. Fidge Eng. Gusman 39 If you have any thing to recommend to your wife, or friends, I will communicate it.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > action of informing > give (information) [verb (transitive)] > inform (a person)
to teach a person a thingc888
meanOE
wiseOE
sayOE
wittera1225
tellc1225
do to witc1275
let witc1275
let seec1330
inform1384
form1399
lerea1400
to wit (a person) to saya1400
learn1425
advertise1431
givec1449
insense?c1450
instruct1489
ascertain1490
let1490
alighta1500
advert1511
signify1523
reform1535
advise1562
partake1565
resolve1568
to do to ware1594
to let into one's knowledge1596
intellect1599
possess1600
acquainta1616
alighten1615
recommenda1616
intelligence1637
apprise1694
appraise1706
introduce1741
avail1785
prime1791
document1807
to put up1811
to put a person au fait of1828
post1847
to keep (someone) straight1862
monish1866
to put next to1896
to put (one) wise (to)1896
voice1898
in the picture1900
to give (someone) a line on1903
to wise up1905
drum1908
hip1932
to fill (someone) in on1945
clue1948
background1961
to mark a person's card1961
to loop in1994
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. iii. 42 Seignior Montano..recommends you thus, And prayes you to beleeue him. View more context for this quotation
a. transitive (reflexive). To commend (oneself) to (the remembrance, regard of) another; = recommand v.1 2b. Obsolete.Chiefly as a conventional formula at the beginning or end of a letter, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use courteous actions or expressions to [verb (transitive)] > greet or salute > send remembrances
commanda1400
recommand1416
recommendc1430
commend1463
remember1533
c1430 in J. B. Sheppard Christ Church Lett. (1877) 6 (MED) My full reverend Lord y recommend me to your graciouse Lordschip.
?c1450 Prior of Bromholm in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 57 I recomend me hertily, thankyng ȝow for þe tydingis.
1466–7 in Manners & Househ. Expenses Eng. (1841) 170 (MED) My ryte welbeloved kosen, I rekomhewende me to ȝowe.
1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes i, in Wks. 107/1 As hartelye as I possible can, I recommende me to you.
1572 J. Higgins Huloets Dict. (rev. ed.) (at cited entry) He recommendes him hartely to thee.
1615 R. Rogers Comm. upon Bk. of Iudges sig. B2 In the desire of this happy blessing vpon these my poore trauels, I most humbly recommend myselfe and seruice to your Lordship.
1640 J. Lincoln Let. 23 Sept. in A. Philips Life John Williams (1700) 324 I recommend me heartily to your self and all the Seniors.
1711 Visct. Bolingbroke Let. 15 June (1798) I. 493 I recommend myself to the honour of your favour, and shall always be [etc.].
b. transitive. To commend, convey the regards of (a person) to another; = recommand v.1 2a. Obsolete.Chiefly in formal leave-takings.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > recommendation > recommend [verb (transitive)] > mention in order to excite kindly remembrance
recommandc1380
recommend1448
1448 in S. A. Moore Lett. & Papers J. Shillingford (1871) 43 (MED) Ye shall recommende the Maier..to my lorde Chaunceller is gode and gracyous lordship.
?1456 J. Fastolf in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 149 I praye yow..that ye wole recomende me to hyr noble ladyship.
a1500 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 15th Cent. (1939) 75 (MED) Goe, lytyll byll, & doe me recommende Vn-to my lady.
1539 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) II. 201 The same Bernard..desired the said Christophor to aduertise your grace thereof and have hym recommended most humbly.
1589 J. Throckmorton M. Some laid Open in his Coulers 50 I pray you recommend me to your D. when you see him, and tel him from me, that [etc.].
1663 J. D. tr. H. de Péréfixe de Beaumont Hist. Henry IV ii. 173 He returned the salutes to their Chiefs;..adding these words, Recommend me to your Master.
1692 T. Taylor tr. G. Daniel Voy. World Cartesius ii. 85 Since I have delayed you too long, Gentlemen Cartesians, I am your most humble Servant; recommend me to your Illustrious Doctor.
1773 S. Johnson Let. 24 May (1992) II. 35 Recommend me to the poor dear Lady.
1849 C. G. F. Gore Dowager xliv. 92 ‘I shall very shortly be in your neighborhood. Please to recommend me to your sister.’ The Curate took his leave.
4.
a. transitive. To mention or present (a thing, course of action) to (also unto) a person, etc., as being desirable or advisable. Also with indirect object. Cf. sense 7a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > recommendation > recommend [verb (transitive)]
commendc1400
recommise1427
recommendc1460
recommit?1521
prefer1567
wish1612
value1670
moyen1897
c1460 Tree & 12 Frutes (McClean) (1960) 32 (MED) I recomende to þi meditacioun þe holy passioun of oure lord ihesu.
1581 R. Mulcaster Positions xxxix. 197 I must recommend vnto them exercise of the bodie.
1649 J. Lamont Diary (1830) 7 Anent the meason word, which was recommended to the seuerall presbetries for tryall therof.
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 96 [Biscuits] which were recommended to me, as an excellent thing to drink a mornings draught with.
1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. ii. 83 He would recommend, and enjoyn the Practice, and Use of both to that [of] his Native Kingdom.
1755 S. Johnson Let. 7 Feb. (1992) I. 95 Two Papers in which my Dictionary is recommended to the Public were written by your Lordship.
1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey III. v. xv. 312 Let me recommend a little of this pike!
1863 Sat. Rev. 16 May 640 We will conclude by recommending his work to our readers.
1925 W. Cather Professor's House i. i. 32 They recommended to him the more even and genial style of John Fiske.
1985 Times 8 Apr. 10/1 ‘Can you recommend me a nice hotel?’ I was asked.
2000 Interzone Oct. 66/1 It's a goldmine of information, highly recommended to anyone with an interest in French pop-fic.
b. transitive. Without to or indirect object. To present as advisable or acceptable; to advocate. Cf. sense 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > recommendation > recommend [verb (transitive)] > plead for
advocate1599
recommend1665
1665 H. Oldenburg Let. 28 Sept. in R. Boyle Corr. (2001) II. 539 The beneficialnes..of using it [sc. Signor Borrhi's Antidote] as a preservatif, for which the Donor recommends it as much, as for an expulsif.
1670 A. Marvell Let. 21 Mar. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 314 The King sent for us alone, and recommended a Rasure of all Proceedings.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 204 I take the Liberty to recommend that Part of America, as the best, and most advantageous Part of the whole Globe.
1781 W. Cowper Retirem. 388 For once I can approve the patriot's voice, And make the course he recommends my choice.
1820 P. B. Shelley Œdipus Tyrannus ii. 39 Allow me now to recommend this dish.
1876 J. B. Mozley Serm. preached Univ. of Oxf. x. 231 Christianity and worldly wisdom..both recommending the same course.
1933 D. L. Sayers Murder must Advertise iv. 58 ‘One of Brotherhood's non-alcoholic refreshers,’ grieved Ingleby. ‘Made from finest Devon apples... Doctors recommend it.’
1989 Which? May 256/1 We don't recommend either of the built-in ovens..that we tested.
2002 Top Santé Feb. 114/1 Most clubs now take a holistic approach to weight loss and are keen to recommend a diet for your individual needs.
5.
a. transitive. Chiefly of a quality, circumstance, or thing: to procure a favourable reception for (someone or something); to make acceptable or desirable (to someone).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > quality of being approvable or acceptable > make acceptable [verb (transitive)]
recommend1582
ingratiatea1635
to carry offa1640
1582 R. Mulcaster 1st Pt. Elementarie xii. 68 The personages pleased him..but the self same thing, which recommended them to him for their own valur, did fraie him to like them, for his own danger.
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. vi. vi. sig. Oo1v Roses..retain..divers useful Qualities, and Virtues, that..recommend them all the Year.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 448. ⁋2 Persons who fall into that Way purely to recommend themselves by their Vivacities.
1757 E. Burke Philos. Enq. Sublime & Beautiful i. §1. 1 Every thing has, in that stage of life, the charm of novelty to recommend it.
1832 G. C. Lewis Remarks Use & Abuse Polit. Terms iii. 21 A claim recommended by the practice..of the constitution.
1863 C. C. Clarke Shakespeare-characters x. 268 That man has little enough to recommend him whom women dislike.
1952 A. John Chiaroscuro 278 My abundant hair and virgin beard completed an ensemble, which, if harmonious in itself, often failed to recommend me to strangers.
2000 Independent on Sunday 10 Dec. i. 23/1 George W. Bush..has but one quality to recommend him: he is not Al Gore.
b. transitive (reflexive). To make (oneself) acceptable or desirable.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > quality of being approvable or acceptable > make acceptable [verb (reflexive)]
commend1593
approve1611
conciliate?1615
recommenda1616
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) i. vi. 2 The ayre nimbly and sweetly recommends it selfe Vnto our gentle sences.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxx. 185 To recommend themselves to his favour.
1758 S. Hayward Seventeen Serm. xvii. 535 A person of eminent rank greatly recommends himself to the esteem of his fellow-creatures when he appears affable and friendly.
1859 J. S. Mill On Liberty i. 12 This view of things, recommending itself equally to the intelligence of thinkers [etc.].
1873 C. Coleman Life John J. Crittenden 194 He is endeavoring to make his apostasy the more..glaring, in order to recommend himself to the Locofocos.
1911 Trans. Amer. Electrochem. Soc. 20 245 In simplicity both of construction and of operation..the Pirani manometer recommends itself at once.
1988 P. Fussell in Thank God for Atom Bomb (1990) 206 After the shocks and disillusionments of the Great War, satiric assaults upon Mother begin to recommend themselves to the new postwar audience.
2002 A. N. Wilson Victorians xxxix. 543 The cheapness hardly recommended itself to a generation addicted to advertising their social status by ostentatious obsequies.
6. † a. transitive. To defend, speak on behalf of. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > justification > justify [verb (transitive)] > vindicate > by argument
excusec1315
defend1340
propugnc1429
justify1477
recommend1602
asserta1643
1602 T. North tr. S. Goulart Lives Epaminondas, Philip of Macedon 69 Nonius Asprenas, one of his greatest friends, was accused by Cassius Seuerus... Augustus did not recommend him, but let the Senatours alone, who banished Cassius.
b. transitive. To bring forward (a person) as worthy of attention, care, etc.; to present to another as deserving favour; to present for notice or reward.
ΚΠ
1620 W. Trumbull Let. Feb. in S. R. Gardiner Lett. Relations Eng. & Germany (1868) 2nd Ser. 161 In case Your Lordship doe not know the gentleman, I will bouldly recommend him to your Lordship for a worthie, honest, and sufficient person.
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 39 They [sc. Turks]..invocate their Saints, as being able to recommend them to God.
1703 R. Steele Tender Husband iii. ii Madam, may I..recommend Mr. Gubbin..to your Ladyships Notice?
1734 J. Swift Lett. (1766) II. 271 The trouble I gave in recommending a gentleman to your protection.
1830 I. D'Israeli Comm. Life Charles I III. viii. 162 [He] had been earnestly recommended by the Earl of Strafford to Charles.
1850 A. Jameson Legends Monastic Orders 65 Whom the abbess thought qualified for orders, she recommended to the bishop who ordained them.
1853 H. R. Dearsly Crim. Process 73 If..the offender is a fit subject to be recommended for the royal mercy.
1958 L. de Wohl Francis of Assisi (1960) xxvii. 218 He was a friar, one of those brown mendicants Cardinal Hugolino of Ostia had recommended to him by letter.
2003 Navy News Sept. 26/1 Shackleton did not forget, and deliberately excluded him..when he later recommended his men for the Polar Medal.
c. transitive. To name (a person, etc.) as suitable for a particular position or employment; to mention favourably to a prospective employer, client, or the like.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > recommendation > recommend [verb (transitive)] > name as worthy to hold position or employment
motion1577
recommend1641
1641 in E. Nicholas Papers (1886) I. 48 The King did many dayes since intimate who they were he would recommend, but none were declared untill this morning.
1687 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. IV. 314 The King having..recommended Father Phillip Ellis, Dr. Gifford, and Dr. Smith, to be Bishops.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. i. i. 3 By him I was recommended to several Patients.
1785 W. Cowper Tirocinium in Task 417 A king, that would, might recommend his horse. View more context for this quotation
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. (at cited entry) It is a regulation, that none under the rank of field officer in the regulars, can recommend a person so circumstanced.
1855 E. C. Gaskell North & South I. iv. 55 There is an opening..for a private tutor. Mr. Bell has recommended me to a Mr. Thornton, a tenant of his.
1910 E. M. Forster Howards End xxxiii. 273 He was strongly against employing the local man whom he had previously recommended, and advised her to store in London after all.
1978 P. Matthiessen Snow Leopard iv. 314 In Kathmandu I shall recommend him to the trekking outfitters as a sirdar or head sherpa.
2005 Times (Nexis) 13 Sept. (Times2 section) 6 Why are people always so keen to recommend their dentists and their doctors?
7.
a. transitive. To offer counsel or advice to someone (to do something). Also with it as object, followed by infinitive. Cf. sense 4a. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1651 R. Douglas Forme & Order Coronation Charles II 5 I recommend to the king, to take some hours for reading holy Scripture.
1681 London Gaz. No. 1649/3 His Majesty..recommends to His Privy Council to see this Act put to dire and vigorous Execution.
1713 R. Steele in Guardian 2 May 1/1 I would strictly recommend to any young Females not to dally with Men.
1746 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1851) V. 38 His Majesty has order'd me to recommend it to you..to proceed immediately [etc.].
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones VI. xvi. viii. 64 He..recommended to her Ladyship, to do him the Honour. View more context for this quotation
1806 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. VI. 177 She recommended it to him to do justice to B. and her children.
1860 J. Abbott Aboriginal Amer. iii. 90 Those who form the habit [sc. of using tobacco]..seldom or never recommend to others to follow their example.
2005 D. Keogh & T. Wood Village Phone Replication Man. 168 We recommend to them to charge the car battery every two months to prevent the problem.
b. transitive. To advise (a person) to do a thing.Occasionally without infinitive: to direct to something.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > advice > advise [verb (transitive)] > to do something
redec1300
admonisha1325
monisha1382
advertise1449
commend1647
recommend1726
1726 J. Barker Lining of Patch-work Screen 154 She soon made me understand her Business; so I recommended her to go into the Chapel, and there offer her self to God.
1788 Trifler No. 9. 113 The first sect on which I shall recommend you to try your skill..are Old Maids.
1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice I. xviii. 217 Let me recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit confidence to all his assertions. View more context for this quotation
1856 W. Collins Yellow Mask iii. ii, in After Dark 333 I recommend you to control your temper, and to treat me with common courtesy.
1883 J. A. Froude Short Stud. 4th Ser. i. ix. 103 He recommended the guardians to consult the king.
1903 A. W. Patterson Schumann 195 The reader is recommended to a personal study of the Opus 5 in question.
1934 P. G. Wodehouse Right ho, Jeeves i. 15 Mr. Sipperly..recommended him to place his affairs in my hands.
2000 Daily Tel. 21 July 9/1 People taking the drug..are recommended to stop and to see their doctors..to discuss alternative treatment.
c. transitive. Without personal object. To counsel or advise (to do something, that something be done, etc.). Cf. sense 4b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > advice > advise [verb (transitive)] > advocate (a course of action, etc.)
redeOE
enhort1382
counsel1393
admonishc1405
sustain?c1450
exhortc1500
persuadea1513
urge1596
advise1597
unwarn1612
paraenesize1716
recommend1734
1734 A. Pope Satires of Horace ii. ii. 43 Let me extoll a Cat on Oysters fed,..Or ev'n to crack live Crawfish recommend.
1784 J. Twamley Dairying Exemplified 48 I would always recommend that it [sc. whey for making cheese] rest one quarter of an Hour, before 'tis broke or vatted.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India I. iii. iv. 606 [He] recommended, what was probably wise, to gain Nizam al Mulk by resigning to him Deccan.
1829 W. Irving Chron. Conq. Granada I. x. 85 He recommended, that the whole disposition of the camp should be changed.
1861 Amer. Agriculturist July 211/1 A correspondent of the ‘Field Notes’ recommends to sprout the seeds of the Osage Orange by placing them in a warm moist atmosphere.
1908 E. F. Benson Climber 153 ‘Edgar is a dreadful gossip,’ said Charlie. ‘I recommend you never tell him anything private.’
1989 Which? July 341/1 The manufacturers recommend positioning the lock fairly high on the window to avoid this.
2007 Horse & Rider Oct. 77/4 I would also recommend that you get in touch with your local veterinary practice in order to spend some time doing work experience there.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2009; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
recommendv.2
/ˌriːkəˈmɛnd/, U.S. /ˌrikəˈmɛnd/ rare.
transitive. To commend again; to commend further.In some quots. with play on recommend v.1
ΚΠ
1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 140 I am constrained of courtesie, to commend, and recommend [L. commendo] the same, L. Oppius..to your patronage and defence.
1683 T. Pierce Let. 24 Aug. in H. More Lett. Several Subj. (1694) 38 I know not who in Oxford may stand in need of an Ingraver; but I will write and commend, and recommend Mr. Savage.
1740 Memorial & Proposal Reformation Manners 10 We will lay hold on all fit Occasions and Opportunities, that our Conscience tells us are such, to commend and recommend the Way to God to such with whom we converse.
1963 Amer. Anthropologist 65 965 Without indulging in further carping, I should like to commend and recommend this bibliography.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1535
v.1c1400v.21576