What does comment mean?
A comment is a written or spoken remark that expresses an opinion, reaction, observation, or explanation. It can be brief and casual, such as a response to a friend's photograph, or formal, such as a critic's assessment of a new novel. As a noun, it covers both individual remarks and explanatory annotations appended to a text or piece of code. As a verb, to comment means to offer such a remark, typically followed by the preposition 'on'. The word carries no strong connotation of praise or criticism — a comment may be flattering, hostile, or entirely neutral — though phrases like 'snide comment' show how context shapes its tone. In modern life the word has become ubiquitous through social media and news sites, where readers leave comments in their thousands. A related form, commentary, denotes a longer series of remarks, as in sports broadcasting. Famously, the stock reply 'no comment' is itself a comment, a paradox that has amused writers for generations.
A written or spoken remark expressing an opinion, reaction, or explanation; also an explanatory note or annotation on a text.
"He left a supportive comment beneath her post."
Plural 'comments' is standard for multiple remarks.
To express an opinion or make a remark about something, usually with 'on'.
"Several economists commented on the latest inflation figures."
Regular plural; commonly used for collections of remarks, e.g. on posts or articles.
"The announcement drew thousands of comments."
When officials say 'no comment,' linguists point out they have technically just made one — the phrase is famously self-defeating.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of comment
Comment comes from Latin 'commentum', meaning 'something devised or thought up', derived from 'comminisci', 'to devise or contrive', a compound built on the root seen in 'memor', 'mindful', which also gives us memory and commemorate. It entered English via French in the late Middle Ages, originally carrying the sense of an explanatory note on a text — hence 'commentary'. Over time it broadened from scholarly annotation to mean any remark expressing an opinion or reaction, a shift cemented by the rise of newspapers and, later, online discussion.
Related word forms
How comment is actually used
Neutral in register — used in everyday conversation, journalism, and formal writing alike. The verb takes 'on' ('commented on the report') rather than 'about' in careful usage. 'Commenter' is now more common than 'commentator' for someone leaving remarks online, while 'commentator' retains the sense of a professional pundit or broadcaster.
Easily confused with comment
Comment is a single remark; commentary is an extended series of remarks or explanations, often continuous (as in sports commentary).