commentate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Media/Broadcasting).
Quick answer
What does “commentate” mean?
To provide a spoken description and analysis of an event, especially a sporting match, ceremony, or public occasion, as it happens.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To provide a spoken description and analysis of an event, especially a sporting match, ceremony, or public occasion, as it happens.
To act as a commentator, providing a continuous, often expert, spoken account. By extension, it can mean to discuss or opine on an ongoing situation in a manner resembling formal commentary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The word originated in British English in the 19th century.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties, though the occasional prescriptive criticism of the word as redundant is more likely found in style guides.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English due to its origin, but standard in American media contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “commentate” in a Sentence
[Subject] commentate on [Event/Object][Subject] commentate for [Broadcaster]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “commentate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will commentate on the royal wedding for the BBC.
- He's been commentating on snooker for twenty years.
American English
- She was hired to commentate on the Super Bowl for ESPN.
- He commentates on political debates for a major network.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial use.
American English
- No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival use.
American English
- No standard adjectival use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used in media business discussions about hiring talent.
Academic
Very rare, except in media studies discussing the role of commentators.
Everyday
Low. Used when discussing sports or TV broadcasting jobs.
Technical
Standard in broadcasting, sports journalism, and media production.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “commentate”
- Using "commentate" as a simple synonym for "say" or "remark" (e.g., *He commentated that it was late).
- Creating the non-existent form *"commentatorate".
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a standard word, though it is a back-formation from 'commentator'. It has a specific meaning related to the professional act of providing live commentary.
No, that would be incorrect. 'Commentate' refers to the spoken, often continuous, act of commentary, typically for broadcast. For online text, use 'comment'.
The primary related noun is 'commentator' (the person who commentates). The action itself is 'commentary'.
It originated in UK English and is well-established there, but it is equally standard and common in US English within broadcasting and sports contexts.
To provide a spoken description and analysis of an event, especially a sporting match, ceremony, or public occasion, as it happens.
Commentate is usually formal, technical (media/broadcasting). in register.
Commentate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒm.ən.teɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.mən.teɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMMENTATOR at the gate of a stadium; their job is to COMMENTATE on the game.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMENTATING IS GUIDING (the listener through the event).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'commentate' most appropriately used?