If you commend someone or something, you praise them formally. I commended her for that action I commend Ms. Orth on writing such an informative article The book was widely commended for its candour The reports commend her bravery His actions were commended by the Jury. + commendation commendations com·men·da·tion The Company received a commendation from the Royal Society of Arts
To recommend as worthy of confidence or regard; to present as worthy of notice or favorable attention
If someone commends a person or thing to you, they tell you that you will find them good or useful. I can commend it to him as a realistic course of action. = recommend