commiserating

Commiserating is the act of expressing or sharing sympathy or pity for someone who is experiencing misfortune or disappointment. As a verb, commiserate typically takes with: one commiserates with someone over or about a situation, or with someone on their loss. The related noun commiseration denotes the feeling itself or the act of offering sympathy.

Etymology traces commiserate to Latin roots, from com- meaning together and miser meaning miserable, passing into English via Latin and Old French. The sense centers on sharing another’s distress rather than merely recognizing it.

Usage notes: commiseration is often more formal or literary than everyday talk. It is commonly used to acknowledge a specific hardship—bereavement, illness, or misfortune—and to express solidarity. It should not be confused with offering practical help, though it can accompany supportive actions.

Examples: She commiserated with him over the cancellation of the trip. They commiserated with the workers after the layoffs. His letter commiserated with the family’s loss in a restrained, empathetic tone.

See also: empathize, sympathize, console, condolence, compassion, solidarity.