To commend; to applaud; to express approbation of; to laud; -- applied to a person or his acts.

Commendation for worth; approval expressed; honor rendered because of excellence or worth; laudation; approbation.

an expression of approval and commendation; "he always appreciated praise for his work"

express approval of; "The parents praised their children for their academic performance"

Verbal comments that express approval.

verb, to express admiration