commentary

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A series of comments or annotations; especially, a book of explanations or expositions on the whole or a part of some other work.

   This letter […] was published by him with a severe commentary.

2. 2
   noun

   A brief account of transactions or events written hastily, as if for a memorandum.

   Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War

3. 3
   noun

   An oral relation of an event, especially broadcast by television or radio, as it occurs.

   We listened to the football commentary while watching the match.

4. 4
   noun

   a written explanation or criticism or illustration that is added to a book or other textual material

Etymology

From Middle French commentaire, from Latin commentārius, commentārium (“notebook”), compare French commentaire. See comment.