Commentary
/ˈkɒmənˌtɛri/
Definitions
A series of notes or explanations, especially those added to a literary work or a passage to illustrate or explain.
/ˈkɒmənˌtɛri/
An explanation or interpretation.
The movie's commentary track was helpful.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone adding notes to a book to explain what's happening. That's a commentary! It could be about a sports game, a Bible story, or even a movie.
👶 For kids: It's like extra notes explaining something.
More Examples
Her commentary on the social issue was very insightful.
How It's Used
"The sports commentator provided insightful analysis during the game."
"The professor's commentary on the Book of Revelation was fascinating."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
running commentary
A continuous stream of commentary, often live and unscripted.
"The news provided a running commentary on the unfolding political events."
From Late Middle English *commentarie*, from Old French *commentarie*, from Latin *commentarius* "memorandum, note, commentary", from *commemorare* "to mention, recall".
Historically, 'commentary' was used more formally, often referring to scholarly interpretations of religious texts or classical works.
Memory tip
Think of 'comment' + 'ary' - a collection of comments.
Word Origin
"to recall, mention"