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Definition of comment noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

comment

noun
 
 
/ˈkɒment/
 
/ˈkɑːment/
Idioms
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  1.  
     [countable, uncountable] something that you say or write that gives an opinion on or explains somebody/something
    • comment on something She made helpful comments on my work.
    • thoughtful/interesting/insightful comments
    • snide/critical/derogatory comments
    • comment about something Have you any comment to make about the cause of the disaster?
    • without comment He handed me the document without comment.
    • The director was not available for comment.
    • You have to register to post a comment.
    • Please leave a comment on our website.
    • Keep up to date with all the latest news and comment.
    • You can post a question in the comments section below.
    • (especially British English) What she said was fair comment (= a reasonable criticism).
    Synonyms statementstatementcomment ▪ announcement ▪ remark ▪ declaration ▪ observationThese are all words for something that you say or write, especially something that gives information or an opinion.statement something that you say or write that gives information or an opinion, often in a formal way:
    • A government spokesperson made a statement to the press.
    comment something that you say or write that gives an opinion on something or is a response to a question about a particular situation:
    • She made helpful comments on my work.
    announcement a spoken or written statement that informs people about something:
    • the announcement of a peace agreement
    remark something that you say or write that gives an opinion or thought about somebody/​something:
    • He made a number of rude remarks about the food.
    declaration (rather formal) an official or formal statement, especially one that states an intention, belief or feeling, or that gives information:
    • the declaration of war
    observation (rather formal) a comment, especially one based on something you have seen, heard or read:
    • He began by making a few general observations about the report.
     comment, remark or observation?A comment can be official or private. A remark can be made in public or private but is always unofficial and the speaker may not have considered it carefully. An observation is unofficial but is usually more considered than a remark.Patterns
    • a(n) statement/​comment/​announcement/​remark/​declaration/​observation about something
    • a(n) statement/​comment/​observation on something
    • a(n) public/​official statement/​comment/​announcement/​declaration
    • to make a(n) statement/​comment/​announcement/​remark/​declaration/​observation
    • to issue a(n) statement/​announcement/​declaration
    Extra Examples
    • Editorial comment in the press tended to support the government in this matter.
    • Feel free to post your comments if you have any.
    • He made a few casual comments to her about her hair and now she's chopped it all off!
    • Her novels were a vehicle for shrewd social comment.
    • Highly critical comments have been made about the conduct of some ministers.
    • I would prefer not to pass comment before I have more information on the case.
    • If you have any comments, please send them to the above address.
    • The prime minister declined comment.
    • She accepted his diagnosis without comment.
    • He directed all his comments at Steve.
    • She made a cryptic comment about how the film mirrored her life.
    • The minister was unavailable for comment last night.
    • The school has invited comments from parents about the new curriculum.
    • The spokesman was not available for comment last night.
    • This idea deserves more than passing comment.
    • Viewers are encouraged to phone in questions and comments.
    • We have received many helpful comments from fellow-sufferers.
    • We welcome comments from readers.
    • a general comment on the weather
    Topics Opinion and argumenta2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • brief
    • fair
    • favourable/​favorable
    • …
    verb + comment
    • have
    • make
    • pass
    • …
    preposition
    • without comment
    • comment about
    • comment on
    • …
    phrases
    • be available for comment
    • be unavailable for comment
    • no comment
    • …
    See full entry
  2. [singular, uncountable] criticism that shows the faults of something
    • The results are a clear comment on government education policy.
    • There was a lot of comment about his behaviour.
    Extra Examples
    • a book with critical comment on the various strands of feminism
    • The article attracted much adverse comment.
    • His visits were the source of much comment.
    • The attack is a sad comment on the public's understanding of mental illness.
    3. Word Originlate Middle English (in the sense ‘explanatory piece of writing’): from Latin commentum ‘contrivance’ (in late Latin also ‘interpretation’), neuter past participle of comminisci ‘devise’.
Idioms
no comment
  1. (said in reply to a question, usually from a journalist) I have nothing to say about that
    • ‘Will you resign, sir?’ ‘No comment!’
    • When asked about the allegations, the chairman replied ‘No comment’.
See comment in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee comment in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: comment

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elaborate
adjective
 
 
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