What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
postil
Example
The editor's postil provided helpful context for the historical document. [postil: noun]
Example
She postiled the article with her own thoughts and insights. [postiled: verb]
commentary
Example
The news anchor provided commentary on the latest political developments. [commentary: noun]
Example
The professor's commentary on the novel shed new light on its themes and motifs. [commentary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Commentary is more commonly used than postil in everyday language. Commentary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while postil is less common and refers to a specific type of brief note or comment added to a text or document.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between postil and commentary?
While postil is typically associated with a more informal or personal tone, commentary can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
