What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commentative
Example
Her commentative style of writing always adds depth to her articles. [commentative: adjective]
Example
John is known for being commentative during class discussions. [commentative: noun]
commentary
Example
The documentary includes a commentary by the director, providing behind-the-scenes insights. [commentary: noun]
Example
The sports commentator provided live commentary during the game. [commentary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Commentary is more commonly used than commentative in everyday language. Commentary is widely used in various contexts, such as sports, news, and literature, while commentative is less common and more specific to describing a particular style or behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commentative and commentary?
While commentative is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, commentary is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts. Commentary is often used in professional settings, such as academic papers or professional analysis.