Comments vs. Commentate — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Comments provide feedback or reactions, usually in written form; commentate involves providing a spoken explanation or interpretation during an event.
Difference Between Comments and Commentate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Comments are typically short texts written as reactions or feedback on a specific content or situation. Whereas, commentate refers to the act of narrating or giving commentary during live events, often seen in sports or news broadcasts.
Comments can be found on various media platforms, like websites, blogs, and social networks, allowing users to engage with content. On the other hand, commentating is a professional skill usually performed by commentators or announcers in real-time during live broadcasts.
The purpose of comments is to express personal opinions, provide additional information, or facilitate discussion. Whereas commentating aims to enhance the viewer's understanding and enjoyment of an event by adding insights and explanations.
Comments are informal and can be made by anyone who has access to the content they are commenting on. Commentate, however, is a formal activity generally reserved for experts or professionals with deep knowledge of the event they are covering.
In comments, the language used can vary widely from formal to casual, depending on the platform and context. In contrast, commentating typically requires articulate and clear language to ensure that the audience comprehends the ongoing events effectively.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Feedback or reactions in text.
Narrating or giving commentary aloud.
Usage Context
Blogs, websites, social media.
Live events, broadcasts.
Form
Written.
Spoken.
Skill Required
Basic writing.
Professional speaking, expertise.
Audience Interaction
Direct interaction.
Indirect, through broadcast.
Compare with Definitions
Comments
Notes or annotations on documents.
The reviewer added critical comments on the manuscript.
Commentate
Offer real-time analysis during broadcasts.
The expert will commentate on the election results tonight.
Comments
Reactions to online content.
She left a comment under the viral video.
Commentate
To provide a spoken explanation during an event.
He will commentate during the Olympic games.
Comments
Input or criticism in a discussion.
During the meeting, he made insightful comments about the project's scope.
Commentate
Speak on an ongoing event professionally.
Her ability to commentate clearly enhances the viewer's experience.
Comments
Informal communication in text.
Their comments on the issue were quite humorous.
Commentate
Narrate or describe sports events live.
She commentates on football matches for a major sports network.
Comments
Written feedback or opinions on a subject.
The blog post had several comments complimenting the author.
Commentate
Deliver continuous commentary.
He is known to commentate with enthusiasm and accuracy.
Comments
Comment a word or paragraph that is either good or bad depending on the circumstances. They are usually left on the end of particular pieces of information, work, actions etc.
Commentate
Report on an event as it occurs, especially for a news or sports broadcast; provide a commentary
They commentate on live Monday matches
Comments
A written note intended as an explanation, illustration, or criticism of a passage in a book or other writing; an annotation.
Commentate
To serve as commentator.
Comments
A series of annotations or explanations.
Commentate
To make a running commentary on.
Comments
A statement of fact or opinion, especially a remark that expresses a personal reaction or attitude.
Commentate
(intransitive) To provide a commentary; to act as a commentator; to maintain a stream of comments about some event.
For the radio audience he will commentate on the match.
Comments
An implied conclusion or judgment
A novel that is a comment on contemporary lawlessness.
Commentate
To write comments or notes upon; to make comments.
Commentate upon it, and return it enriched.
Comments
Talk; gossip
A divorce that caused much comment.
Commentate
Make a commentary on
Comments
(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.
Commentate
Serve as a commentator, as in sportscasting
Comments
(Linguistics) The part of a sentence that provides new information about the topic. Also called rheme.
Comments
To make a comment; remark.
Comments
To serve as a judgmental commentary
"Her demise comments on [the Upper East Side's] entire way of life" (Mark Muro).
Comments
To make comments on; annotate.
Comments
Plural of comment
Common Curiosities
What are comments?
Comments are written reactions or feedback provided on digital content or discussions.
Where are comments typically found?
Comments are found on blogs, social media, and various websites where content can be discussed.
What is the difference between a commentator and a regular speaker?
A commentator specifically provides ongoing commentary on live events, often requiring specialized knowledge.
How do comments affect the perception of content?
Comments can influence others' perceptions by highlighting different perspectives or critiques.
What does it mean to commentate?
To commentate means to provide spoken commentary or descriptions during live events.
How do comments impact online content?
Comments can increase engagement, provide diverse viewpoints, and enrich the content.
Why is clear language important in commentating?
Clear language ensures that the audience understands the commentary, which is essential for live events where viewers rely on the commentator for information.
What skills are necessary for commentating?
Effective speaking, a deep understanding of the subject, and the ability to engage an audience are key skills for commentating.
Can anyone commentate on an event?
While technically anyone can speak about an event, professional commentating usually requires expertise and experience in the field.
Is commentating considered a professional career?
Yes, commentating can be a professional career, especially in fields like sports, news, and entertainment.
What are the responsibilities of a commentator during sports events?
A commentator during sports events describes the action as it happens, provides background information, and analyses plays.
How can comments influence a discussion?
Comments can steer discussions, introduce new ideas, or escalate conflicts, depending on their nature.
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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.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
