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commentary

n.
US //ˈkɑmənˌtɛɹi// UK //kˈɒməntɹˌi// com·men·tary
  1. 1 live broadcast description (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a spoken description of an event, like a football match, given while it is happening.

    a real-time spoken account of an event, especially a sporting match, broadcast via radio or television.

    Example

    I listened to the radio commentary of the game while I was driving home.

    Example

    The veteran broadcaster provided a gripping blow-by-blow commentary of the championship final, capturing every nuance of the players' movements.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'on'.

  2. 2 explanatory notes (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    a set of written notes or a book that explains a difficult text or subject.

    a series of analytical or explanatory notes on a literary, religious, or legal text.

    Example

    The student bought a modern commentary on the ancient poems to help with her essay.

    Example

    The professor published a comprehensive legal commentary on the new environmental regulations, clarifying several ambiguous clauses for the benefit of practitioners.

    Usage

    Commonly takes the preposition 'on'.

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  1. 3 social observation (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    comments that express an opinion about a situation in society.

    a set of observations or criticisms regarding a social or political situation.

    Example

    The movie is a sharp commentary on how social media affects our lives.

    Example

    The novelist's latest work serves as a biting social commentary on the widening gap between the urban elite and rural communities.

Origin

From Middle French commentaire, from Latin commentārius, commentārium (“notebook”), compare French commentaire. See comment.

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