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

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

From BBC

"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."

From BBC

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

From BBC

Rugby league great Ray French, who commentated on the sport for the BBC over four decades, has died at the age of 85.

From BBC

The Lancashire crowd stridently cheered each of the Yorkshireman's three milestones, with Ponting commentating for television when his haul was passed.

From BBC

Related Words

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