# commentary

/ˈkɑmənˌtɛɹi/ (US) · /kˈɒməntɹˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commentary
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. live broadcast description

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

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

### 3. social observation

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

comments that express an opinion about a situation in society.

For teachers: a set of observations or criticisms regarding a social or political situation.

- The movie is a sharp commentary on how social media affects our lives.
- The novelist's latest work serves as a biting social commentary on the widening gap between the urban elite and rural communities.

## Examples

- The DVD includes a director's commentary on every scene.
- The live radio commentary helped the fans follow the game while they were driving home from work.
- His latest book provides a sharp social commentary on the decline of rural industries, blending personal anecdotes with rigorous economic data to illustrate the human cost of policy shifts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.