comedic(kuh MEE dik) adj. of or having to do with comedy; humorous- John Cleese had a comedicwalk in Monty Python’s Ministry of Silly Walks
routine. - Mike Meyers’ comedicportrayals appeal to some people more than they do
to others.
[-ally adv.]
commencement(kuh MENS mint) n. 1. the beginning or start; the time of
same; 2. the school or college ceremonies at which degrees or diplomas are award-
ed; 3. the day upon which this takes place - The commencementof the show will be at 8 P.M.
- Lafayette High School’s commencementwill be held at the field house.
- Yale’s commencement is often on a Thursday.
comment (KOM ent) n. 1. a note that explains, criticizes, or illustrates some-
thing written or said; annotation; 2. a remark or observation made to express criti-
cism or opinion; 3. talk; chatter; gossip —vi.to comment on; to make remarks - George just had to make a commenton Paul’s theories.
- When Sue remarked that it was hot in the room, Pam felt it necessary to
commentin her support. - With gossips, it’s just one commentafter another.
- Some people find it necessary to commenton practically anything and
everything.
[-ed, -ing] [Syn. remark]
commercial (kuh MER shil) adj. 1. of or connected to trade; 2. of or having to
do with stores, office buildings, etc.; 3. of a lower grade or for use in large amounts
in industry —n.paid radio or TV advertisement - The ship was engaged in international commercialtrade.
- Beth’s neighborhood was zoned for commercialuse, so she had no recourse
when the grocery opened next door. - The warehouse club sells mayonnaise in gallon jars, suitable for commercial
use but kind of large for use at home. - Some of the most entertaining television these days is to be found in soft-
drink commercials.
commitment(kuh MIT mint) n. 1. a delivering for safekeeping; 2. official
internment of a person to a prison or a mental institution; 3. a promise to do
something; 4. dedication to a long-term involvement; 5. a financial liability - A burial service accompanied the commitmentof the naval officer’s body to
the ocean depths. - It’ll take a court order to affect the commitmentof this book’s author to the
booby hatch.
52 Essential Vocabulary