commendation

 
Pronunciation: /kɒmɛnˈdeɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • formal or official praise: the film deserved the highest commendation [count noun]: the book gives commendations for initiative
  • [count noun] an award given for very good performance: the detectives received commendations for bravery
  • [count noun] a very good result in an examination or competition.

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French, from Latin commendatio(n-), from commendare 'commit to the care of' (see commend). Originally (in the plural) the term denoted a liturgical office ending with a prayer commending the souls of the dead to God