commentary
UK[ˈkɒm.ən.tər.i]US[ˈkɑː.mən.ter.i]
n
a spoken description of an event, especially a sports match, given as it happens.
n
a set of written remarks or notes explaining or criticizing a book, play, or other work.
Morpheme Breakdown
comment
ary
comment
to reflect upon or explain
ary
Etymology
the word 'commentary' has a journey rooted in deep reflection. it originates from the latin verb 'commentari', meaning 'to think over, consider, or meditate upon', which itself is derived from 'com-' (intensive) and '-mens' (mind), from the pie root men- (to think). the latin noun 'commentarium' referred to a notebook or memoir containing thoughts and explanations. entering english via old french 'commentaire', the term evolved from denoting personal notes to its modern sense of an explanatory or descriptive series of remarks. the suffix '-ary' solidifies its function as a noun pertaining to the act or product of this explanatory thought process.
Analysis
Structure: comment + ary
comment: from latin 'commentum' (invention, contrivance; commentary), from 'commentari' (to think over, devise, study). functions as the core root meaning 'to reflect upon or explain'.
ary: from latin '-arius', a suffix forming adjectives and nouns denoting 'pertaining to' or 'connected with'. functions as a suffix forming a noun.
Examples
the radio commentary made the cricket match come alive.
the book includes detailed textual commentary alongside the original poems.
his constant cynical commentary on the news was starting to annoy everyone.