Browse all

comment out

B2 neutral separable transitive

In programming, to temporarily disable lines of code by turning them into comments so they are not executed.

In plain English

To put special marks around lines of code so the computer ignores them, without deleting them.

What does "comment out" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 B2 neutral

To add comment markers to lines of code so they are ignored by the compiler or interpreter, without deleting them.

"I commented out the database call to test the rest of the function independently."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To remove something by making it a comment.

Actually means

To put special marks around lines of code so the computer ignores them, without deleting them.

Usage tip

Technical term used exclusively in programming and software development contexts. Very common among developers. The code is preserved but skipped by the compiler or interpreter. Often done for debugging or temporary changes.

Words that pair with "comment out"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

line block function code section loop

How to conjugate "comment out"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
comment out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comments out
he/she/it
Past simple
commented out
yesterday
Past participle
commented out
have + pp
-ing form
commenting out
continuous

Hear "comment out" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "comment out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.