Commentary — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkä-mən-ˌter-ē/ com·men·tary

Meaning & Definition of Commentary

Commentary (noun)

  1. an explanatory treatise —usually used in plural
  2. a record of events usually written by a participant —usually used in plural
  3. a systematic series of explanations or interpretations (as of a writing)

Commentary (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a series of explanations or observations on something (as an event)

    "the TV anchors provided a running commentary on the parade"

    similar: analysis, comment, exposition, play-by-play
    related: annotation, explication, descant, note, observation, remark, report, review, write-up

  2. a relating of events usually in the order in which they happened

    "the general's commentaries on his military campaigns rank among the best firsthand accounts of the war"

    similar: account, chronicle, chronology, history, narration, narrative, record, report, story
    related: version, deposition, documentation, testament, testimonial, testimony, witness, annals, blog, diary, journal, log, logbook, memoir, minutes, procès-verbal, anecdote, tale, yarn, epic, saga, gest, romance, recital, recitation, case history, case study

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Commentary

The most common words with a similar meaning to Commentary:

analysis, comment, exposition, play-by-play, account, chronicle, chronology, history, narration, narrative, record, report, story

Related Words for Commentary

annotation, explication, descant, note, observation, remark, review, write-up, version, deposition, documentation, testament, testimonial, testimony, witness, annals, blog, diary, journal, log, logbook, memoir, minutes, procès-verbal, anecdote, tale, yarn, epic, saga, gest

Word Forms of Commentary

Inflections: commentaries

Origin & Etymology of Commentary

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Commentary

Frequently Asked Questions about Commentary

What does "Commentary" mean?

"Commentary" means an explanatory treatise —usually used in plural. As a noun, it is defined as: an explanatory treatise —usually used in plural. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Commentary"?

Other words for "Commentary" include analysis, comment, exposition, play-by-play, account, chronicle, chronology and history. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Commentary" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Commentary"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Commentary". Common alternatives include analysis, comment, exposition, play-by-play, account, chronicle, chronology, history, narration and narrative.

How do you use "Commentary" in a sentence?

Examples of "Commentary" in a sentence: "the TV anchors provided a running commentary on the parade"; "the general's commentaries on his military campaigns rank among the best firsthand accounts of the war".

Is "Commentary" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Commentary" is a noun.

Is "Commentary" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Commentary" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Commentary"?

"Commentary" is pronounced /ˈkä-mən-ˌter-ē/ and divided into syllables as com·men·tary.

What is the origin of the word "Commentary"?

First known use: 15th century.