commentate

[ kom-uhn-teyt ]

verb (used with object)

, com·men·tat·ed, com·men·tat·ing.

1. to deliver a commentary on:

   to commentate a fashion show.

2. to write a commentary on; annotate:

   to commentate the Book of Job.

verb (used without object)

, com·men·tat·ed, com·men·tat·ing.

1. to serve as a commentator:

   The senior staff member will commentate, as usual.

2. to make explanatory or critical comments, as upon a text:

   the manuscript on which I am commentating.

commentate

/ ˈkɒmənˌteɪt /

verb

1. intr to serve as a commentator
2. tr to make a commentary on (a text, event, etc)

Usage

The verb commentate, derived from commentator, is sometimes used as a synonym for comment on or provide a commentary for. It is not yet fully accepted as standard, though widespread in sports reporting and journalism

Word History and Origins

Origin of commentate¹

First recorded in 1785–95; back formation from commentator

Example Sentences

Journalist Lizzie Dearden, who commentates on home affairs issues and is an expert on the far-right in the UK, says Southport is not the first incident that has been used to fuel far-right agendas.

From BBC

Yeah, but this time around the clip everyone quotes shows Snoop commentating on the July 28 U.S.-China badminton match.

From Salon

Boycott had quadruple heart bypass surgery in 2018, which he said was a factor in his decision to step away from commentating, as well as the coronavirus pandemic.

From BBC

The BBC broadcaster, Sir Terry Wogan, who was commentating for the UK, exclaimed: "Good grief. Small hairs rising on the back of every Irishman's neck."

From BBC

He also presented and commentated on events like general elections and royal weddings and funerals, and announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II to the nation in 2022.

From BBC

Related Words

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