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commentate

 - 2 dictionary results

com⋅men⋅tate

[kom-uhn-teyt] verb, -tat⋅ed, -tat⋅ing.
–verb (used with object)
1. to deliver a commentary on: to commentate a fashion show.
2. to write a commentary on; annotate: to commentate the Book of Job.
–verb (used without object)
3. to serve as a commentator: The senior staff member will commentate, as usual.
4. to make explanatory or critical comments, as upon a text: the manuscript on which I am commentating.

Origin:
1785–95; back formation from commentator


Since the late 18th century, commentate has been used transitively with the meaning “to annotate” and, since the mid 19th, intransitively with the meaning “to make explanatory or critical comments.” These uses are now rare. Recently, commentate has developed the additional transitive sense “to deliver a commentary on” and the intransitive sense “to serve as a commentator.” These uses are occasionally criticized as journalistic jargon.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To commentate
com·men·tate   (kŏm'ən-tāt')   
v.   com·men·tat·ed, com·men·tat·ing, com·men·tates

v.   intr.
To serve as commentator.
v.   tr.
To make a running commentary on.

[Back-formation from commentator.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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