commentary
gb/kˈɑməntˌɛɹi/ us/kˈɑməntˌɛɹi/
B1
English
~ 4400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
spoken or written explanation
Words that explain or describe an event while it is happening.
Usage pattern:
[someone] gives commentary on [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'commentary' with 'comment'. 'Comment' usually means a single remark, while 'commentary' is a series of remarks or an extended explanation.
Synonyms
narration (Focuses more on telling a story rather than analysis, but overlaps in live descriptions.)
|
analysis (Focuses more on detailed examination rather than real-time description.)
Antonyms
silence (The absence of any spoken or written explanation.)
Collocations
live commentary
|sports commentary
|political commentary
|provide commentary
|give commentary
Themes
media
|sports
|news
|communication
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The TV channel provided live commentary during the football match.
- Her political commentary attracted a large online audience.
- The radio station offered commentary on the breaking news story.
- He was hired to give commentary for the Olympic Games.
- The documentary includes expert commentary from historians.
Learner examples
- The man gave live commentary during the game.
- I listened to the news commentary on the radio.
- She gave commentary about the movie.
- The teacher gave commentary on the lesson.
- We watched the match with English commentary.
Noun
B2
entity
2
series of opinions or remarks
A group of ideas or opinions about something, often in writing.
Usage pattern:
[someone] writes commentary on [topic]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with a simple opinion; 'commentary' implies a more developed set of ideas or analysis.
Synonyms
critique (Often more evaluative and judgmental than general commentary.)
|
reflection (More personal and thoughtful, less formal than commentary.)
Antonyms
endorsement (An expression of support without critical discussion.)
Collocations
social commentary
|literary commentary
|critical commentary
|write commentary
|publish commentary
Themes
media
|literature
|politics
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The book includes a detailed commentary on Shakespeare's plays.
- Her blog offers social commentary on modern life.
- The magazine published a critical commentary on government policy.
- His film is a sharp commentary on consumer culture.
- The article serves as a commentary on recent economic trends.
Learner examples
- The teacher wrote a commentary on my essay.
- This book has a long commentary about the story.
- He writes political commentary for the newspaper.
- The movie is a social commentary on life today.
- She gave a short commentary on the painting.
Grammar
Dictionary form
commentary
IPA
GB/kˈɑməntˌɛɹi/
US/kˈɑməntˌɛɹi/
Syllables & stress
com - ment - ary (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (com)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: commentary
- Plural: commentaries, commentary
Word family
Expressions
color commentary
1/kˈʌlɚ kˈɑməntˌɛɹi/
fixed phrase
extra detail in reporting
Extra details and stories that make the main report more interesting.
Examples
- She provided color commentary to explain the players’ backgrounds.
- The broadcast mixed play-by-play with color commentary for entertainment.
running commentary
1/ɹˈʌnɪŋ kˈɑməntˌɛɹi/
fixed phrase
continuous spoken description
Talking all the time to describe what is happening while it happens.
Examples
- He gave a running commentary as he drove through the city.
- The sports announcer provided a running commentary throughout the match.