commentary

American  

[kom-uhn-ter-ee] / ˈkɒm ənˌtɛr i /

noun

plural

commentaries

1. a series of comments, explanations, or annotations.

   a commentary on the Bible; news followed by a commentary.

2. an explanatory essay or treatise.

   a commentary on a play; Blackstone's commentaries on law.

3. anything serving to illustrate a point, prompt a realization, or exemplify, especially in the case of something unfortunate.

   The dropout rate is a sad commentary on our school system.

4. Usually commentaries. records of facts or events.

   Commentaries written by Roman lawyers give us information on how their courts functioned.

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commentary British  

/ ˌkɒmənˈtɛərɪəl, -trɪ, ˈkɒməntərɪ /

noun

1. an explanatory series of notes or comments

2. a spoken accompaniment to a broadcast, film, etc, esp of a sporting event

3. an explanatory essay or treatise on a text

4. (usually plural) a personal record of events or facts

   the commentaries of Caesar

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Other Word Forms

• commentarial
  adjective
• supercommentary
  noun

Etymology

Origin of commentary

1375–1425; late Middle English commentaries (plural) < Latin commentārium notebook, noun use of neuter of commentārius, equivalent to comment ( um ) comment + -ārius -ary

Explanation

When the language in a work of literature such as "Beowulf" is difficult to understand, it is helpful to read from an edition that includes a commentary — an explanation or expansion or criticism added to the original material. Editorials go hand-in-hand with commentaries, since both express a writer's opinions. Commentary can be oral as well as written. Each year, following the President's State of the Union address, you can tune into the networks for commentary from respected news anchors. In fact, political commentary has become so pervasive in our media that some feel it has replaced reporting.

Example Sentences

The underlying message across much of the commentary is clear: a third trophyless season would be unacceptable for both the club and its supporters.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Analysts will also watch for business-specific financial targets and executives’ commentary on how they plan to grow.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Although her Schiaparelli look is more like “Madame B” for “Boring,” especially at an event like the Met Gala, it’s at least a somewhat interesting — if self-satisfied — commentary.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Programs like “Larry King Live” and “Crossfire” were early signs that talk shows and commentary would have a major role in cable TV.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

As the baby-blue scooter zipped through the streets of Rome, the goddess Rhea Silvia gave Annabeth a running commentary on how the city had changed over the centuries.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• comment
• criticism
• critique
• description
• explanation
• narration
• observation
• remark
• review
• treatise