commentary
Americannoun
plural
commentaries-
a series of comments, explanations, or annotations.
a commentary on the Bible; news followed by a commentary.
-
an explanatory essay or treatise.
a commentary on a play; Blackstone's commentaries on law.
-
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.
-
Usually commentaries. records of facts or events.
Commentaries written by Roman lawyers give us information on how their courts functioned.
noun
-
an explanatory series of notes or comments
-
a spoken accompaniment to a broadcast, film, etc, esp of a sporting event
-
an explanatory essay or treatise on a text
-
(usually plural) a personal record of events or facts
the commentaries of Caesar
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.
Vocabulary lists containing commentary
Argumentative Writing, List 2
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Journalism
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Awkward
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But it’s bad news and sad commentary that a park in the densely populated heart of the city will remain unusable for the foreseeable future.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026
ARK doesn’t provide commentary when it reveals its daily trades, but Wood may be taking the opportunity to lock in some profit following a stellar run for AMD stock.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
This move “came after Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi departed Islamabad without meeting with the U.S.,” says Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst at FOERX.com, in commentary.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
Listen to full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, with live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026
He spoke a number of languages, ancient and modern, and had published a translation of Anacreon, with commentary, when he was only eighteen.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
