What does recommendation mean?
Recommendation is a noun for advice or a favorable judgment offered to guide a choice. It can refer to a spoken suggestion, an item or person presented as suitable, or a written endorsement of someone for employment or another responsibility. The phrase “a recommendation for treatment” shows the word at work in professional advice, while “letters of recommendation” refers to documents in which supporters attest to a person’s abilities or character. In general use, a recommendation carries more authority than a casual suggestion because it implies that the speaker has relevant knowledge or a basis for endorsing the choice. It can nevertheless sound formal or institutional in administrative, academic, medical, and employment settings. Recommendation is also closely associated with recommending: the noun identifies the advice or endorsement, while the verb expresses the act of putting a person or option forward. Whether it describes a travel tip, a recommended book, or a supervisor’s written evaluation, the word combines the practical function of guidance with the connotation of trust and favorable regard.
nounAdvice or a favorable statement given as a reason for choosing a person, thing, or course of action. It may also refer to a formal endorsement of someone for a position or responsibility.
- Advice or a suggestion that a particular person, thing, or course of action is good or suitable.
- A favorable statement, often written, endorsing someone's suitability for a role or responsibility.
- The act or fact of presenting a person or thing as a preferred choice.
"The editor's recommendation led us to the book, and its final chapter proved her right."
"The doctor recommended a short course of physical therapy and explained the reasons for the recommendation."
"Her letter of recommendation helped secure a place on the graduate program."
Used when referring to multiple suggestions, endorsements, or written statements of approval.
"The company sent three recommendations for the vacant position."
From Latin recommendare, where commendare meant to praise, the word has always amounted to putting a favorable judgment on record.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recommendation come from?
The modern English noun entered Middle English through Old French, ultimately from Latin recommendatio. Latin recommendare, formed from re- and commendare, meaning “to praise,” meant to recommend, approve, or endorse. Its relatives in English include recommend, recommendable, commend, and commendation.
How recommendation is actually used
In everyday conversation, the word can function simply as a synonym for advice or suggestion, but it often carries more authority, implying relevant knowledge or favorable experience. It sounds more formal and institutional in employment, academic, medical, and administrative contexts. In British English, a written endorsement for employment may also be called a reference.