Definition

1. Verb:
   • To serve as a commentator: To provide a spoken description and analysis of an event, especially a sports match or public ceremony, as it happens, typically for a broadcast audience.
   • To make a commentary on: To discuss or explain a subject, event, or text in a detailed and analytical manner.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • She was hired to commentate on the tennis tournament for national radio.
  • The historian will commentate on the significance of the newly discovered documents in a special lecture.

Advanced Usage

• The verb "commentate" is a back-formation from the noun "commentator." It is often used in professional contexts related to broadcasting and analysis.
• It can be used transitively (with a direct object) or intransitively (without one).
  • He commentates on football matches. (Intransitive use with preposition 'on')
  • She will commentate the royal procession. (Transitive use)

Variants and Related Words

• Commentator (n): A person who commentates, especially on sports or current events.
  • The lead commentator for the game was excellent.
• Commentary (n): A set of explanatory or analytical notes or remarks on a text or event.
  • His running commentary made the long drive more interesting.

Synonyms

• Narrate: To give a spoken account of events as they happen.
• Analyze: To examine something methodically and in detail.
• Describe: To give an account in words.

Related Phrases and Usage Notes

• To commentate on/upon something: This is the most common construction.
  • Experts were invited to commentate upon the economic trends.
• The word is sometimes considered informal or a non-standard alternative to "comment" in the sense of providing commentary, though it is widely accepted, particularly in broadcasting contexts.

Verb

1. serve as a commentator, as in sportscasting
2. make a commentary on