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.

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. to remark or express an opinion

2. (intr) to write notes explaining or criticizing a text

Other Word Forms

• commenter noun
• commentable adjective
• uncommented adjective
• uncommenting adjective
• undercomment noun

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

Bayless did not respond to any of my requests for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson for the group of more than 30 Menendez relatives who have been fighting for the brothers’ release did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Menzies, who did not respond to a request for comment, stood down at the last general election but has continued to face two investigations from the police and expenses watchdog into his conduct.

From BBC

Tesla did not immediately comment on the investigation, which is the first step toward a potential recall.

From BBC

Teachers at the Range High School in Formby had reported incidents including hitting other children, and commenting "that's why teachers get murdered" when he was given a detention.

From BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

What is a basic definition of comment?

A comment is a remark or observation that expresses a person’s observation or criticism. To comment is to make such a remark. A comment is also a reply from a user to published material on the internet. Comment has several other senses as a noun and a verb.When people make comments, they are giving their opinion or perspective on something in the form of an observation or criticism. Comments are usually short statements. The word commentary is used for longer criticism or a group of comments. A person who offers a comment is a commenter.

• Real-life examples: Managers often want (or pretend to want) comments from their staff when looking for feedback about something. When people chat, they often share comments about many topics, such as sports, the weather, or politics. A backseat driver delivers unwanted comments about another person’s driving abilities.



• Used in a sentence: The contractor listened to the owner’s comments about what the new house should look like. 

Comment is used to mean to make observations or remarks. This sense often takes the form of “to comment on.”

• Used in a sentence: The company didn’t want to comment on the scandal. 

Comment also refers to a reply posted by a user in response to content on the internet. These replies are often listed in the comments section of an article, blog post, or video. Websites may not allow users to post comments if they think a topic is controversial.

• Real-life examples: News websites and YouTube videos allow users to post comments. Most websites will ban or suspend users who post especially profane or offensive comments.



• Used in a sentence: The video resulted in a lot of supportive comments from fans.