Definition

1. Noun:

   • A remark expressing an opinion or reaction: A spoken or written statement that gives an opinion, observation, or reaction.
   • An explanatory or critical note added to a text: A written explanation, criticism, or illustration that is added to a book, document, or piece of code to clarify or analyze it.
   • Talk or gossip about someone or something: Discussion, often of a critical or speculative nature, about other people's private lives or actions.

2. Verb:

   • To make a remark expressing an opinion or reaction: To give an opinion, observation, or reaction by speaking or writing.
   • To provide explanatory notes for a text: To add notes to a text or piece of code to explain or interpret it.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She made a positive comment about my presentation.
  • The professor's comments in the margins of the essay were very helpful.
  • There has been a lot of unfair comment about their relationship in the press.

• Verb:

  • He refused to comment on the allegations.
  • The programmer commented each section of code for clarity.

Advanced Usage

• "No comment": A standard refusal to answer a question, especially from a journalist.

  • When asked about the scandal, the CEO simply said, "No comment."

• "Invite comment": To ask for opinions or feedback.

  • The proposal was published to invite public comment.

Variants and Related Words

• Commentary (n): A set of explanatory or critical notes on a text, or a spoken description of an event as it happens.

  • The book includes detailed historical commentary.
  • We listened to the live sports commentary on the radio.

• Commentator (n): A person who provides a commentary, especially on television or radio, or who writes comments on a topic.

  • She is a well-known political commentator.

Synonyms

• Noun: Remark, observation, note, statement, criticism.
• Verb: Remark, observe, note, say.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Comment on/upon (something): To make a remark or give an opinion about something.
  • Several experts were asked to comment on the new policy.

Related Idioms

• A running commentary: A continuous series of remarks about an event as it happens.
  • My father gave a running commentary on the entire football match.

Noun

1. a report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people
   • the divorce caused much gossip
2. a written explanation or criticism or illustration that is added to a book or other textual material
   • he wrote an extended comment on the proposal
3. a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
   • from time to time she contributed a personal comment on his account

Verb

1. provide interlinear explanations for words or phrases
   • He annotated on what his teacher had written
2. explain or interpret something
3. make or write a comment on
   • he commented the paper of his colleague