Meaning & use
social commentary
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Meanings
noununcountable
the act of expressing opinions about problems or behavior in society through art, writing, or media.
Grammar: Used without 'a' or 'an' when it means the general activity: The film is full of social commentary.
Patterns
- social commentary on something
- a piece of social commentary
- provide social commentary
Her novel offers sharp social commentary on inequality in modern cities.
The cartoon uses humor as a form of social commentary.
Critics praised the play for its powerful social commentary.
nouncountable
a specific work, remark, or statement that comments on society.
Grammar: Can be countable when referring to one particular work or remark: a social commentary.
Patterns
- a social commentary on something
- make a social commentary
The documentary is a social commentary on the effects of fast fashion.
His latest song is a social commentary about wealth and privilege.
Common combinations
- sharp social commentary
- The columnist is known for her sharp social commentary.
- political and social commentary
- The podcast mixes political and social commentary with comedy.
- provide social commentary
- Many artists use their work to provide social commentary.
- a form of social commentary
- Street art is often a form of social commentary.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- commentator noun
- A person who gives opinions on events, often in the media.
- comment verb
- To say something about a situation or person.
Commonly confused: social commentary or social criticism?
social commentary vs social criticism
Social criticism is a more formal, academic term for analyzing society's faults; social commentary is wider and includes art and everyday media.
Practice
The film is best described as a social commentary ___ climate change.
Choose one answer.
'Commentary on' is the standard pattern when you say what the commentary is about. 'Commentary for' would suggest the commentary is made for someone, and 'commentary to' is not used in this meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “social commentary”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.