Commentary: meaning, definitions and examples

Commentary is commonly used for expressing opinions or explanations about events, usually in real-time. It's suitable for sports, news, or live events.

• The football match had lively commentary by the famous broadcaster
• The journalist provided commentary on the presidential debate

Analysis involves detailed examination of the elements or structure of something. It is often used in academic, professional, or technical fields to break down complex subjects.

• The scientist provided a thorough analysis of the chemical compound
• The market analysis helped the company strategize its next move

Critique is a detailed evaluation or review of something, usually highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. It often applies to literature, art, and performances.

• The film received a harsh critique from the movie critic
• Her critique of the novel was both insightful and balanced

Evaluation is used to assess the value, quality, or performance of something, often leading to a decision or conclusion. It is common in education, business, and performance reviews.

• The teacher gave a fair evaluation of the students' projects
• The annual employee evaluation helps determine promotions and raises

This is used when someone is providing opinions or observations, often in relation to an event, sports match, or a news article.

• The sports commentator gave a detailed commentary on the game.
• Her commentary on the political situation was very insightful.

This is used when providing a detailed account to make something clear or understandable without much opinion.

• Can you give me an explanation of how this machine works?
• The teacher's explanation made the math problem easy to solve.

This is used when someone is offering their understanding or way of explaining something, often artistic or legal in nature.

• Her interpretation of the poem brought a new perspective.
• The lawyer's interpretation of the contract was different from ours.

This is used for detailed and careful clarification to make something clear or easier to understand.

• The professor's elucidation of the complex theory was very helpful.
• His elucidation helped the team understand the new policy.

Used for spoken or written discussion, often part of media coverage of events like sports, politics, or live broadcasts.

• The football match was more exciting thanks to the lively commentary provided by the sportscaster.
• Her commentary on the political debate was insightful and thought-provoking.

Used in religious, philosophical, or literary contexts to refer to a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, often a sacred text.

• His exegesis of the Biblical passage offered a new perspective on its meaning.
• The scholar’s exegesis of the ancient manuscript revealed its historical significance.

Used to clarify or make something understandable, often by describing it in detail. Suitable for educational, instructional, or formal contexts.

• The teacher's explanation of the math problem helped the students understand it better.
• She provided a thorough explanation of the new policy during the meeting.

Used to describe the act of explaining the meaning of something, often in the context of art, literature, law, or performances. It implies an element of personal insight or opinion.

• The lawyer’s interpretation of the law differed from that of his colleagues.
• Her interpretation of the poem brought out its underlying themes.