commentary
commentary — noun
1. spoken words that describe a sports match, ceremony, or other public event at th
spoken words that describe a sports match, ceremony, or other public event at the same time as it happens, broadcast on radio or television
The tennis star offered her commentary on the women's final from the TV studio.
offer/give/provide commentary
Priya turned on the radio to hear the commentary on the closing ceremony.
commentary + on + event
The commentary during the cycling race kept listeners informed of every change in position.
Kofi's passionate commentary on the final goal reached thousands of listeners across Ghana.
- narration
focuses on the act of describing events as they unfold; less tied to broadcast media
- coverage
broader term for reporting an event, which may include commentary, interviews, and analysis
- play-by-play
informal term specific to sports commentary; very detailed moment-by-moment description
文法句型
commentary + on + noun phrase
provide/give/offer + commentary
用法筆記
A person who gives commentary is called a commentator. Common verbs used with this sense include provide, give, and offer.
常見錯誤
2. a continuous moment-by-moment account of what someone is watching, hearing, or e
a continuous moment-by-moment account of what someone is watching, hearing, or experiencing, given aloud as things happen
Leila provided a funny running commentary on the fashion show while her sister watched.
running commentary
On the nature walk, the guide gave lively commentary about every bird they passed.
lively commentary + about
Hana's non-stop commentary on the movie annoyed everyone in the cinema.
The children found it hilarious to give a silly commentary on their father's baking.
文法句型
running commentary + on + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used in the phrase running commentary to describe someone who narrates events the moment they happen, sometimes in an annoying or humorous way.
3. any written text, artwork, or spoken segment that gives an interpretation or jud
any written text, artwork, or spoken segment that gives an interpretation or judgment about a topic — for instance, a newspaper column analysing politics, a review of a novel, or an essay about modern society
The professor wrote a detailed commentary on the ancient text, explaining each chapter's hidden meaning.
write + commentary + on [subject]
This newspaper regularly publishes political commentary that challenges readers to think differently.
political commentary
Yara's latest painting is a powerful commentary on the effects of pollution on ocean life.
The book's helpful commentary at the bottom of each page clarifies ideas for students.
- analysis
more systematic and methodical; focuses on breaking down parts and examining structure rather than giving a personal opinion
- critique
formal, evaluative; usually judges strengths and weaknesses, especially of art or literature
- review
shorter and more consumer-oriented; tells you whether a book, film, or product is worth your time
- interpretation
focuses on explaining what something means; more subjective and personal than commentary
文法句型
commentary + on + noun phrase
commentary + about + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is common in media contexts — newspaper columns, television segments, art exhibitions — where the writer or artist analyses current events, culture, or a specific work.
常見錯誤
4. an event, fact, or piece of behaviour that unintentionally shows the true, often
an event, fact, or piece of behaviour that unintentionally shows the true, often negative, nature of a person, group, or situation
The empty classroom desks were a sad commentary on the school's falling student numbers.
a sad commentary on [situation]
The factory closure is a grim commentary on the state of the local economy.
The government's slow response to the disaster was a terrible commentary on its priorities.
The empty donation boxes were a revealing commentary on people's willingness to help.
- reflection
softer and less judgmental; can be positive or neutral
- indication
factual and neutral; does not carry the critical judgment that commentary does
- revelation
stronger; suggests something surprising or hidden is uncovered
文法句型
a + adjective + commentary + on + noun phrase
用法筆記
Almost always followed by on + noun. Only used in singular form (a commentary, not commentaries). Usually implies a negative or critical judgment about the situation being described.