commentate

[kom-uhn-teyt]

verb (used with object)

commentated, commentating 

1. to deliver a commentary on.

   to commentate a fashion show.

2. to write a commentary on; annotate.

   to commentate the Book of Job.

verb (used without object)

commentated, commentating 

1. to serve as a commentator.

   The senior staff member will commentate, as usual.

2. to make explanatory or critical comments, as upon a text.

   the manuscript on which I am commentating.

commentate

/ ˈkɒmənˌteɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to serve as a commentator

2. (tr) to make a commentary on (a text, event, etc)

Usage

The verb commentate, derived from commentator, is sometimes used as a synonym for comment on or provide a commentary for. It is not yet fully accepted as standard, though widespread in sports reporting and journalism

Word History and Origins

Origin of commentate¹

First recorded in 1785–95; back formation from commentator

Example Sentences

As Test Match Special's team prepares to commentate on every ball of the series, we asked them for their predictions.

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Some observers - including the 1996 world champion Damon Hill, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra - felt Piastri was dicing with danger in cutting back so aggressively to try to pass Norris on the exit.

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John Murray: The player I'm looking forward to watching is Yamal as I am yet to commentate on him in a Barcelona shirt.

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"It was the largest city in western Europe, with a population of over half a million, and it had an ebullient print media that was constantly commentating on the fashions and follies of the age."

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Mark Scott: I'm commentating at the Bridge on Sunday and Estevao is the player I'm most excited about seeing.

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Related Words

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