commendation
This word carries a heavy weight of formality and officialdom. It is not a casual compliment given between friends over coffee, but rather a structured recognition usually issued by an organization, a military body, or a superior in a professional hierarchy. It suggests a public or recorded acknowledgement of merit. While praise is a general feeling of approval, a commendation is the tangible manifestation of that approval. It transforms a positive opinion into a formal status or a physical certificate, shifting the focus from the emotion of liking someone's work to the official validation of their performance.
Countable when referring to a specific award or certificate given to an individual. Uncountable when referring to the general act of praising someone's actions.
Meanings
An official award or praise given to someone for a particular achievement.
"The soldier received a commendation for bravery under fire."