Commentary Meaning
/ˈkɒm.ən.t(ə.)ɹi/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA series of comments or annotations; especially, a book of explanations or expositions on the whole or a part of some other work.
nounA brief account of transactions or events written hastily, as if for a memorandum.
Sentence Examples
The narrative provided some eye-opening social commentary on the state of the country.
What a sad commentary!
People sometimes narrate their actions to themselves as a running commentary.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The radio station aired a political ____ about the recent election results.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The sports channel provided live audio ____ during the football match.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French commentaire, from Latin commentārius, commentārium (“notebook”), compare French commentaire. See comment.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"This letter […] was published by him with a severe commentary."
— 1827, Henry Hallam, The Constitutional History of England from the Accession of Henry VII. to the Death of George II. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], →OCLC:
"Under each coin was a circular ticket with written particulars of the specimen accompanying it. For some time Carrados took little interest in these commentaries, but presently Hosier noticed that his guest was submitting many of them to a close but quiet scrutiny."
— 1923, Ernest Bramah, The Eyes of Max Carrados:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The radio station aired a political ____ about the recent election results.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The sports channel provided live audio ____ during the football match.