comment

[ kom-ent ]

noun

1. a remark, observation, or criticism:

   a comment about the weather.

2. gossip; talk:

   His frequent absences gave rise to comment.

3. a criticism or interpretation, often by implication or suggestion:

   The play is a comment on modern society.

4. Digital Technology. a user response to published content on the internet, written in a designated “Comments” section, often below the published content:

   There were many online comments criticizing the author.

5. a note in explanation, expansion, or criticism of a passage in a book, article, or the like; annotation.

   Synonyms: commentary, addendum

6. explanatory or critical matter added to a text.
7. Also called rheme. Linguistics. the part of a sentence that communicates new information about the topic. Compare topic ( def 4 ).

verb (used without object)

1. to make remarks, observations, or criticisms:

   He refused to comment on the decision of the court.

2. to write explanatory or critical notes upon a text.

   Synonyms: elucidate, annotate

verb (used with object)

1. to make comments or remarks on; furnish with comments; annotate.

comment

/ ˈkɒmɛnt /

noun

1. a remark, criticism, or observation
2. talk or gossip
3. a note explaining or criticizing a passage in a text
4. explanatory or critical matter added to a text

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by on; when tr, takes a clause as object to remark or express an opinion
2. intr to write notes explaining or criticizing a text

Derived Forms

• ˈcommenter, noun

Other Words From

• com·ment·a·ble adjective
• com·ment·er noun
• un·com·ment·ed adjective
• un·com·ment·ing adjective
• un·der·com·ment noun verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of comment¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English com(m)ent “explanatory note, comment,” from Old French comment “commentary,” from Late Latin commentum “interpretation, comment,” from Latin: “device, fabrication, falsehood,” noun use of neuter of commentus “contrived,” past participle of comminīscī “to contrive, devise”; com- ( def ), mental ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of comment¹

C15: from Latin commentum invention, from comminiscī to contrive, related to mens mind

Synonym Study

See remark.

Example Sentences

The National Transportation Safety Board did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Rios did not respond to a request for comment, but he removed the campaign posts from his Facebook account after The Times inquired about it with the archdiocese.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Jones said he could not comment on matters relating to staff, but "any allegation" brought to the board's attention would be dealt with in accordance with its policies.

From BBC

The BBC has contacted Taylor Farms for comment.

From BBC

BBC News has contacted Brandberg's office for comment.

From BBC

Related Words

• assert
• clarify
• conclude
• criticize
• disclose
• explain
• expound
• express
• mention
• note
• notice
• observe
• point out
• reflect
• say