Commentary /(?)/

pl. Commentaries

1. A series of comments or annotations; esp., a book of explanations or expositions on the whole or a part of the Scriptures or of some other work.

   This letter . . . was published by him with a severe commentary.

2. A brief account of transactions or events written hastily, as if for a memorandum; -- usually in the plural; as, Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War.
3. A single essay, written or spoken, discussing or explaining a topic, especially regarding a recent event; as, the election report was followed by several commentaries from political analysts.
4. Something considered as exemplifying or ilustrating a point or opinion; as, the California recall vote is a sad commentary on the frivolous approach of people to politics.