What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commentary
Example
The sports commentator provided live commentary during the soccer match. [commentary: noun]
Example
She wrote a commentary on the latest political developments in the country. [commentary: noun]
interpretation
Example
The teacher asked the students to share their interpretation of the poem. [interpretation: noun]
Example
He interpreted the painting as a representation of loneliness and isolation. [interpreted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Commentary is more commonly used than interpretation in everyday language. Commentary is widely employed in journalism, sports, media, and academic contexts, while interpretation is often used in literary analysis, art criticism, and cultural studies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commentary and interpretation?
While commentary is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, interpretation is often associated with a more formal tone, especially in academic or professional settings.
