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comment

n. · v.
US //ˈkɑmɛnt// UK //kˈɒmɛnt// com·ment
  1. 1 a remark (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    something you say or write to express an opinion or explain something.

    a spoken or written remark that expresses an opinion, reaction, or explanation.

    Example

    The teacher wrote a helpful comment at the bottom of my essay.

    Example

    The minister declined to make a public comment regarding the ongoing investigation until all the facts were verified.

    Usage

    Often takes the prepositions 'on' or 'about'.
    Pitfall
    He made a comment about that I was late.
    He made a comment about me being late.

    The noun 'comment' is usually followed by 'on' or 'about' plus a noun phrase, not a 'that' clause.

  2. 2 programming note (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a note in computer code that explains what the code does but is ignored by the computer.

    a remark embedded in source code intended for human readers and ignored by the compiler or interpreter.

    Example

    I added a comment to the code so my teammate would understand why I changed the function.

    Example

    The developer was criticised for failing to include comments in the legacy code, making maintenance nearly impossible for the new team.
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  1. 3 to give an opinion (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to say or write something to give your opinion about a situation.

    to express an opinion or reaction in speech or writing.

    Example

    The celebrity refused to comment on the rumors about her private life.

    Example

    Economists have commented extensively on the potential impact of the new trade agreement on local manufacturing.

    Usage

    Intransitive use usually requires the preposition 'on'.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners often forget the 'on' after the verb; remind them it is 'comment on something' rather than 'comment something'.
  2. 4 to add notes to code (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    to add explanatory notes to computer code or to turn code into a note so it does not run.

    to insert explanatory remarks into source code or to disable code by converting it into a comment.

    Example

    You should comment your code as you write it to help others read it later.

    Example

    The engineer decided to comment out the experimental block of code rather than deleting it entirely.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrasal verb 'comment out'.
Etymology 1

From Middle English coment, comment, from Old French coment (“commentary”), from Late Latin commentum (“comment, interpretation”), from Classical Latin commentum (“invention, fabrication”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English commenten, comenten, from Latin commentārī (“to consider thoroughly, think over, discuss, write upon”).

Idioms1 entry

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