What does commentate mean?
"Commentate" is a verb meaning to deliver a spoken commentary on an event as it unfolds, most commonly a sports match, though it also covers ceremonies, news events, and other occasions that benefit from expert explanation. A person who commentates — usually called a commentator — describes the action, offers analysis, and provides context for an audience watching or listening remotely. The word takes the preposition "on": one might commentate on a football final or commentate on a royal procession. Though some early usage critics dismissed "commentate" as an awkward back-formation from "commentator," it has long since earned its place in standard dictionaries and is especially familiar in British broadcasting. Its tone is professional and authoritative, evoking the polished delivery of a seasoned broadcaster. For learners of English, it is a useful word precisely because it captures a specific professional activity that ordinary verbs like "talk" or "explain" do not.
To provide a continuous spoken commentary on an event, especially a sports match, race, or public ceremony, typically for radio or television audiences.
"The veteran broadcaster commentated on six consecutive Olympic Games before retiring."
Usually followed by "on" plus the event being described: commentate on the match, commentate on the parade.
To engage in the act of providing commentary or explanatory remarks.
"She has commentated professionally since the early 1990s."
The word "commentate" is a back-formation — journalists in the 1930s essentially invented it by trimming "commentator" down to a verb.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of commentate
"Commentate" is a back-formation from "commentator," which itself derives from Latin "commentari," meaning to think over or ponder, ultimately rooted in "commentum," something invented or devised. The verb arose in the 20th century — roughly the 1930s — when broadcasters and journalists needed a convenient way to describe the act of providing commentary, and simply dropped the agent suffix "-or." It shares its deeper Latin ancestry with "comment," "commentary," and "commend," all tracing back to Roman roots connected with reflection and invention.
Related word forms
How commentate is actually used
"Commentate" carries a professional register — it suggests an official broadcast role rather than casual conversation. Some style guides prefer "provide commentary" or "do commentary," and prescriptivists have occasionally criticized "commentate" as an unnecessary back-formation, but it is fully established and widely used, particularly in British sports broadcasting. It typically takes the preposition "on": commentate on a match, commentate on a ceremony.
Easily confused with commentate
"Communicate" means to convey information or ideas to others, while "commentate" specifically means to provide running spoken commentary on an event.
"Comment" is a general remark or opinion, whereas "commentate" is the act of delivering continuous commentary, typically live on an event.