Comment vs. Commentary — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 28, 2023
A comment is a brief remark or observation, often in reaction to something. Commentary is a series or collection of explanations or interpretations, often on a specific subject or event.
Difference Between Comment and Commentary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Both "comment" and "commentary" pertain to opinions, observations, or interpretations. A comment is usually a short, singular remark or feedback on a particular matter. In contrast, a commentary delves deeper, offering an extended analysis or series of remarks on a topic.
One can find a comment almost anywhere, from a post-it on a report to a quick reaction under a social media post. Commentary, however, often appears in media and literature, providing detailed insights, explanations, or critiques about a specific subject, be it a sports event, literary work, or news event.
The brevity of a comment makes it immediate and direct. For instance, someone might comment on a photograph or a piece of art with a simple "Beautiful!" or "Thought-provoking." Commentary, on the other hand, would involve an extended analysis of the techniques, themes, and impacts of that same piece.
Comments are typically reactionary, made in the spur of the moment or as an initial response. Commentary involves more deliberate thought, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding or assessment of the subject at hand.
While both comment and commentary share the objective of sharing an opinion or insight, the depth and breadth of their content differ. A comment can stand alone, while a commentary often encompasses multiple comments and observations unified under a cohesive analysis.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Singular remark or observation
Extended analysis or series of remarks
Length
Typically short
Longer and more detailed
Context
Reactionary or initial response
Deliberate thought on a subject
Appearance
Social media, feedback sections, informal chats
Media, literature, detailed critiques
Objective
Immediate feedback or reaction
Comprehensive understanding or assessment of a subject
Compare with Definitions
Comment
A brief remark or observation.
Her photo received a positive comment from many followers.
Commentary
A detailed analysis or interpretation of a subject.
The documentary included a commentary on climate change.
Comment
A short, informal expression of views.
She left a comment about the service on the restaurant's page.
Commentary
An extended critique or discussion on a topic.
The magazine featured a commentary on recent political events.
Comment
A written or spoken reaction.
The teacher's comment on the essay was encouraging.
Commentary
An extended series of remarks or observations.
The sports event was accompanied by lively commentary.
Comment
A verbal or written remark expressing an opinion or reaction
The plans were sent to the council for comment
You asked for comments on the new proposals
Commentary
An explanatory account of a text or event.
His commentary on the novel provided deep insights into its themes.
Comment
Express an opinion or reaction in speech or writing
Teachers commented that children of all abilities would benefit
‘She's an independent soul,’ he commented
The company would not comment on the venture
Commentary
A systematic series of explanations or interpretations.
She provided a running commentary during the entire tour.
Comment
A written note intended as an explanation, illustration, or criticism of a passage in a book or other writing; an annotation.
Commentary
Explanation or interpretation in the form of a series of comments or observations
"The Spectator was a widely appreciated model of urbane social commentary mingled with popularized philosophy" (Leo Damrosch).
Comment
A series of annotations or explanations.
Commentary
An ongoing series of spoken remarks, especially during a television or radio broadcast of an event
Two retired players did the commentary for the game.
Comment
A statement of fact or opinion, especially a remark that expresses a personal reaction or attitude.
Commentary
An apt explanation or illustration
A scandal that is a sad commentary on national politics.
Comment
An implied conclusion or judgment
A novel that is a comment on contemporary lawlessness.
Commentary
An expository treatise or series of annotations; an exegesis
A commentary on Plato's Republic.
Biblical commentaries.
Comment
Talk; gossip
A divorce that caused much comment.
Commentary
A narrative of historical events of which one has personal experience
Caesar's commentaries on the war in Gaul.
Comment
(Computers) A string of text in a program that does not function in the program itself but is used by the programmer to explain instructions.
Commentary
A series of comments or annotations; especially, a book of explanations or expositions on the whole or a part of some other work.
Comment
(Linguistics) The part of a sentence that provides new information about the topic. Also called rheme.
Commentary
A brief account of transactions or events written hastily, as if for a memorandum.
Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War
Comment
To make a comment; remark.
Commentary
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.
Comment
To serve as a judgmental commentary
"Her demise comments on [the Upper East Side's] entire way of life" (Mark Muro).
Commentary
A series of comments or annotations; esp., a book of explanations or expositions on the whole or a part of the Scriptures or of some other work.
This letter . . . was published by him with a severe commentary.
Comment
To make comments on; annotate.
Commentary
A brief account of transactions or events written hastily, as if for a memorandum; - usually in the plural; as, Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War.
Comment
A spoken or written remark.
I have no comment on that.
Pay attention to the teacher's comments in the margin of your marked essay.
Commentary
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
Comment
(uncountable) The act of commenting.
Comment
(linguistics) The part of a sentence that provides new information regarding the current theme.
Comment
(programming) A remark embedded in source code in such a way that it will be ignored by the compiler or interpreter, typically to help people to understand the code.
Comment
(transitive) To remark.
Comment
To make remarks or notes.
Comment
To comment or remark on.
Comment
To insert comments into (source code).
I wish I'd commented this complicated algorithm back when I remembered how it worked.
Comment
To comment out (code); to disable by converting into a comment.
Comment
To make remarks, observations, or criticism; especially, to write notes on the works of an author, with a view to illustrate his meaning, or to explain particular passages; to write annotations; - often followed by on or upon.
A physician to comment on your malady.
Critics . . . proceed to comment on him.
I must translate and comment.
Comment
To comment on.
Comment
A remark, observation, or criticism; gossip; discourse; talk.
Their lavish comment when her name was named.
Comment
A note or observation intended to explain, illustrate, or criticise the meaning of a writing, book, etc.; explanation; annotation; exposition.
All the volumes of philosophy,With all their comments.
Comment
A statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief;
From time to time she contributed a personal comment on his account
Comment
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
Comment
A report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people;
The divorce caused much gossip
Comment
Make or write a comment on;
He commented the paper of his colleague
Comment
Explain or interpret something
Comment
Provide interlinear explanations for words or phrases;
He annotated on what his teacher had written
Comment
Feedback or reaction to content.
The author appreciated every comment on his article.
Comment
A singular opinion or note on something.
His comment on the situation was surprisingly neutral.
Common Curiosities
Where might I typically find a comment?
Comments are commonly found under blog posts, articles, or social media posts.
Can a commentary consist of multiple comments?
Yes, a commentary can encompass multiple remarks, observations, and interpretations on a subject.
Is a comment always short?
While comments are typically brief, they can occasionally be longer, but they remain more concise than a full commentary.
Can one article or post have multiple comments?
Yes, especially in digital platforms, a single post or article can receive numerous comments.
What is the primary difference between a comment and a commentary?
A comment is a brief remark, while a commentary is a detailed analysis or interpretation.
What's the goal of a commentary?
The primary objective of a commentary is to provide a deeper understanding, analysis, or interpretation of a subject.
Is a commentary longer than a comment?
Yes, a commentary is typically longer and more detailed than a singular comment.
Can a comment be both positive and negative?
Absolutely, a comment can reflect any range of emotions or opinions.
Are comments always public?
No, comments can be private, such as notes on a document, or public, like on a social media post.
Is commentary subjective?
Commentary often involves personal interpretations or opinions, making it subjective, but it can also include objective analysis.
Can a comment lead to a longer discussion or commentary?
Yes, sometimes a single comment can spark a more extended discussion or inspire a detailed commentary on the topic.
Can comments influence the perception of content?
Certainly, comments can shape public opinion or provide additional perspectives that influence how content is perceived.
Are commentaries exclusive to certain subjects?
No, commentaries can be written on a wide range of topics, from sports to literature to current events.
Do all news articles come with commentary?
Not necessarily. While some news articles include commentary, others simply report facts without added interpretation.
Is a commentary always by experts?
While experts often provide commentary, especially in academic or professional settings, anyone can offer commentary on a subject they're familiar with or passionate about.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
