kuh-MISH-uhnd
/kəˈmɪʃənd/
commissioned is pronounced kuh-MISH-uhnd (/kəˈmɪʃənd/). Commissioned means formally authorized or granted a particular status, task, or role, often after a deliberate process or appointment. It can refer to commissioning services, creating or ordering something, or being given authority to act. The term conveys intentionality, legitimacy, and a defined scope of responsibility.
Commissioned means formally authorized or granted a particular status, task, or role, often after a deliberate process or appointment. It can refer to commissioning services, creating or ordering something, or being given authority to act. The term conveys intentionality, legitimacy, and a defined scope of responsibility.
"The army officer was commissioned after completing the rigorous training program."
"The hospital commissioned a new wing to accommodate more patients."
"The art gallery commissioned a sculpture from a renowned artist."
Phonetically, /ˈkɒmɪˌʃənd/ in US/UK/AU, with primary stress on the first syllable: COM-mis-ioned. The middle is a palatalized /mɪʃ/ cluster that blends quickly, and the final /ənd/ has a schwa-like nucleus followed by a light /d/. Tip: start with /kɒ/ then quickly move to /mɪ/ and glide into /ʃənd/. You’ll hear the /ʃ/ as a soft sh- sound blending into a light d at the end.
Two frequent errors: (1) misplacing stress, pronouncing as COM-mis-sioned with heavy emphasis on the second syllable; (2) mispronouncing the /ʃ/ as /s/ or omitting the /ʃ/ sound, saying /kɒmɪsənd/ or /ˈkɒmɪsənd/. Correction: keep primary stress on the first syllable, ensure the /ʃ/ is audible before the final /ənd/; end with a light /d/. Practicing with a minimal pair like 'commission' vs 'commissioned' can help solidify the /ʃ/ cluster and final alveolar stop.”
In General American, the first vowel is /ɒ/ (as in cot) in stressed syllable, with clear /ˈkɒmɪˌʃənd/. In many British accents, /ɒ/ remains similar, but /ɪ/ is a bit more centralized. Australian English often features a shorter first vowel and a slightly smoother /ə/ in the final syllable, sometimes softening the /d/ to a flapped or unreleased end. The /ɔ/ vs /ɒ/ distinction can blur in some dialects, but the /ʃ/ and /nd/ sequences stay relatively stable. Focus on maintaining /ˈkɒmɪ/ and a crisp /ʃənd/.”
The difficulty lies in the consonant cluster /mɪˈʃ/ blend and the final /ənd/ sequence, which requires a quick transition from a palatal /ʃ/ to a voiced alveolar /d/, with a light schwa in between. The secondary stress on the /ˌʃənd/ portion can cause timing issues in fluent speech. Additionally, the diphthongal quality of /ɒ/ in stressed US/UK variants can be subtle. With careful practice, you can produce a clean /ˈkɒmɪˌʃənd/ by isolating the /ʃ/ and practicing closed lips before the alveolar stop.”
The word often appears in formal or institutional contexts, and your pronunciation should preserve clarity of the /mɪˈʃ/ sequence and the final /ənd/, avoiding elision that would blur the final /d/. Some speakers insert a subtle intermediary vowel in the /ʃənd/ cluster, sounding /ʃən d/; stay steady on /ʃənd/ to maintain a crisp end. Keeping the first syllable prominent helps listeners parse the word correctly in succession with surrounding terms like 'commissioned by' or 'commissioned project'.
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Commissioned derives from the verb commission, which traces to the Latin comissionem, from com- (together) and mittere (to send). The English term first appeared in the late Middle Ages, originally referring to a formal order or instruction to perform a task. Over time, its sense expanded to include the authority granted to individuals to act on behalf of an organization, such as a commission meting out power or a body that appoints officers. The noun form “commission” carried legal and bureaucratic implications, while “commissioned” describes the act of receiving such authority or having a project formally entrusted to someone. In modern usage, it commonly conveys a sanctioned appointment, often with a defined scope, duration, and responsibilities. The word has broadened into contexts like art, engineering, and government, retaining the core idea of formal delegation and an official mandate. First known uses appear in public records and legal documents where an entity assigns duties, often accompanied by an official seal or signature. The suffix -ed marks the past participle, indicating completed action or status. Throughout centuries, the term has maintained its core theme of legitimacy and purpose, evolving with institutional development while preserving its root sense of “sending together” a mandate.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "commissioned" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "commissioned" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "commissioned"
-ned sounds
-hed sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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