What does commenting mean?
'Commenting' is the present participle and gerund form of the verb 'comment', describing the act of making remarks, offering opinions, or sharing observations about a topic, event, or piece of content. The word applies equally to spoken commentary — such as a broadcaster narrating a sports match — and to written remarks, most familiarly in the form of comments left on articles, videos, and social media posts. Derived from Latin roots meaning 'to think over' or 'devise', it entered English through Old French and has long been associated with explanation and evaluation. Today, 'commenting' is ubiquitous in digital life, where enabling or disabling commenting on a post shapes public discourse. The word itself stays neutral: thoughtful commenting signals engagement, while excessive or hostile commenting draws criticism. Its flexibility across formal journalism, casual conversation, and online interaction makes it one of the most widely exercised verbs of opinion in modern English.
Expressing an opinion, remark, or observation about something, especially publicly or in writing.
"Officials declined to comment when asked, while others kept commenting throughout the hearing."
Often followed by 'on' — 'commenting on the situation' is the standard construction.
The activity or practice of making remarks or observations, particularly in written or broadcast form.
"Constant commenting during the film annoyed everyone else in the theatre."
Every time you leave a remark online, you're using a word that traces back to the Latin 'comminisci' — literally 'to devise or invent' a thought worth sharing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of commenting
'Commenting' derives from 'comment', which entered English from Old French 'comment' and ultimately from Latin 'commentum', meaning something devised or thought up, related to 'comminisci' (to devise, contrive). The verb 'comment' came to mean thinking over or remarking upon a subject, and its participle 'commenting' followed naturally. Cognates and relatives include 'commend' and 'recommend', which share the same Latin prefix 'com-' but developed along distinct semantic paths.
Related word forms
How commenting is actually used
'Commenting' functions chiefly as the present participle of the verb 'comment' and as a gerund ('Commenting is disabled'). It carries a neutral to slightly evaluative connotation — people may be praised for insightful commenting or criticized for constant commenting. In digital contexts it often refers specifically to user engagement on platforms.
Easily confused with commenting
'Commencing' means beginning something, while 'commenting' means making remarks or observations about it — the words look similar but share no meaning.