How do you the word "commiseration"?
Is the word is a synonym of "sympathy"?
The Cambridge Dictionary gives the meaning of the word:
an expression of sympathy for someone, especially someone who has lost a competition
So the following usage is correct?
Commiseration to the losers.
Stop your querulous self-commiseration.
But is the first usage somehow being ironic to the losers? Is the word is suitable for daily usage?Is it a derogatory word?
Best Answer
I think that Cambridge definition is a little too specific. I'm more inclined to agree with the Oxford Dictionary:
To commiserate is to "share sadness" with someone. Although the noun form is not common, it can be used in that context.
As with any other saddening event, it can be used to offer sympathy on the loss of a competition:
or ironically:
Commiserations is also acceptable, as a way to offer sympathy, similar to how we might use congratulations:
Note: I expect it's more common to use the verb commiserate than the noun commiseration. Also, condolences is significantly more common than commiserations.