Word

commentary

noun C1

a=RP

Meanings

noun

Spoken or written analysis or opinion that explains an event, issue, or piece of work

noun

Live spoken description of what is happening, especially during a sports event

Definition

A commentary is spoken or written analysis that explains and evaluates an event, text, or issue.

A commentary is a piece of communication that adds explanation, interpretation, or opinion about something. It often helps people understand what happened, why it matters, or how different parts connect. Commentaries can appear in journalism, sports broadcasting, academic writing, and public discussion.

Examples

Her commentary on the documentary highlighted the director’s bias without dismissing the evidence.
I found the professor’s commentary on the poem helpful because it connected the imagery to the historical context.
Their commentary during the match stayed calm, even when the crowd became chaotic.
Your commentary on the proposal is persuasive, but it would be stronger with one concrete example.
He delivered a sharp commentary on the debate, focusing on what each candidate avoided saying.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse commentary (analysis/opinion) with comment (a short remark) and use one when they mean the other.