Sports / B2

KOM-uh-ntayt-uh/ˈkɒmənteɪtə/

A commentator describes a sports event as it happens, or offers public opinions on news: a football commentator, a political commentator. Reporter gathers news; pundit is a close cousin for opinion. Commentary (already in the dictionary) is the talk itself. In speech, the person talking over the match / an opinion writer is enough. Do not call every journalist a commentator — many report without adding a running judgement.

Meaning

A person who describes a sports event as it happens, or who gives public opinions on news.

Examples

• “The commentator explained the rule to viewers.”
• “The radio commentator went silent when the goal went in, which told listeners more than a shout.”
• “A climate commentator on the panel was not the same as the reporter who had been at the talks.”

Good to know

Live sports describer, or a public opinion-giver. Contrast: reporter (gathers news). Noun: commentary. Not every journalist.

Near in meaning

pundit

Topics

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