comment

American  

[kom-ent] / ˈkɒm ɛnt /

noun

1. a remark, observation, or criticism.

   a comment about the weather.

2. gossip; talk.

   His frequent absences gave rise to comment.

3. a criticism or interpretation, often by implication or suggestion.

   The play is a comment on modern society.

4. Digital Technology. a user response to published content on the internet, written in a designated “Comments” section, often below the published content.

   There were many online comments criticizing the author.

5. a note in explanation, expansion, or criticism of a passage in a book, article, or the like; annotation.

   Synonyms:

   commentary, addendum

6. explanatory or critical matter added to a text.

7. Also called rheme.  Linguistics. the part of a sentence that communicates new information about the topic.

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verb (used without object)

1. to make remarks, observations, or criticisms.

   He refused to comment on the decision of the court.

2. to write explanatory or critical notes upon a text.

   Synonyms:

   elucidate, annotate

verb (used with object)

1. to make comments or remarks on; furnish with comments; annotate.

comment British  

/ ˈkɒmɛnt /

noun

1. a remark, criticism, or observation

2. talk or gossip

3. a note explaining or criticizing a passage in a text

4. explanatory or critical matter added to a text

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verb

1. to remark or express an opinion

2. (intr) to write notes explaining or criticizing a text

Usage

What is a basic definition of comment? A comment is a remark or observation that expresses a person’s observation or criticism. To comment is to make such a remark. A comment is also a reply from a user to published material on the internet. Comment has several other senses as a noun and a verb. When people make comments, they are giving their opinion or perspective on something in the form of an observation or criticism. Comments are usually short statements. The word commentary is used for longer criticism or a group of comments. A person who offers a comment is a commenter.

• Real-life examples: Managers often want (or pretend to want) comments from their staff when looking for feedback about something. When people chat, they often share comments about many topics, such as sports, the weather, or politics. A backseat driver delivers unwanted comments about another person’s driving abilities.
• Used in a sentence: The contractor listened to the owner’s comments about what the new house should look like. 

Comment is used to mean to make observations or remarks. This sense often takes the form of “to comment on.”

• Used in a sentence: The company didn’t want to comment on the scandal. 

Comment also refers to a reply posted by a user in response to content on the internet. These replies are often listed in the comments section of an article, blog post, or video. Websites may not allow users to post comments if they think a topic is controversial.

• Real-life examples: News websites and YouTube videos allow users to post comments. Most websites will ban or suspend users who post especially profane or offensive comments.
• Used in a sentence: The video resulted in a lot of supportive comments from fans. 

Related Words

See remark.

Other Word Forms

• commentable adjective
• commenter noun
• uncommented adjective
• uncommenting adjective
• undercomment noun

Etymology

Origin of comment

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English com(m)ent “explanatory note, comment,” from Old French comment “commentary,” from Late Latin commentum “interpretation, comment,” from Latin: “device, fabrication, falsehood,” noun use of neuter of commentus “contrived,” past participle of comminīscī “to contrive, devise”; com- ( def. ), mental ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

To comment is to state your opinion or make a remark on something. Of course, it's good to know when to hold your tongue. Comment on the latest movie? No problem. Comment on the annoying airport security measures while having your baggage checked? Better not. A written explanation or criticism is a comment. Your teacher's comments on your paper may thrill you when you do excellent work or unnerve you when you receive the message, "See me!" If you state your opinion, this is also a comment. Politicians talking to the press are fond of the statement, "No comment," which means they don't want to express an opinion — or more likely, they don't want to get in trouble.

Example Sentences

A representative for Hutchinson didn’t respond to a request for comment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Representatives for Orange and Meta didn’t respond to a request for comment.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Beyond, which recently dropped the word “meat” from its name, has not yet responded to a MarketWatch request for comment.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

The Justice Department declined to comment and did not respond to the concerns raised by former employees and people involved in the case.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

Before I can comment on his ridiculous attempt at maturity, he burns his thumb and quickly abandons the effort.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• assert
• clarify
• conclude
• criticize
• disclose
• explain
• expound
• express
• mention
• note
• notice
• observe
• point out
• reflect
• say