'commendation-motivated' originates from the combination of 'commendation' and 'motivated'. 'Commendation' comes from Latin 'commendatio', meaning 'praise', and 'motivated' is derived from 'motive', which comes from Latin 'motivus', meaning 'moving'.

'Commendation' evolved from Latin 'commendatio' through Old French 'commendacion', while 'motivated' developed from 'motive', which was adapted from Latin 'motivus'.

Initially, 'commendation' meant 'praise or recommendation', and 'motivated' meant 'moved or driven'. The combined term 'commendation-motivated' retains these meanings, indicating being driven by praise.