What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exegesis
Example
The professor's exegesis of the ancient scripture shed new light on its meaning. [exegesis: noun]
Example
She spent hours doing exegesis on the poem, trying to understand the poet's message. [exegesis: gerund or present participle]
commentary
Example
The sports commentator provided insightful commentary on the game's strategy. [commentary: noun]
Example
The film critic's commentary on the director's style was both informative and entertaining. [commentary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Commentary is more commonly used than exegesis in everyday language. Commentary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while exegesis is less common and refers to a more specialized and academic type of analysis.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exegesis and commentary?
Exegesis is typically associated with a more formal and academic tone, while commentary can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in a variety of situations and audiences.
