Document
'dɒkjʊmənt
Definitions
2 meaningsA piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence.
'dɒkjʊmənt
A written or printed paper that gives information or proof
I need to find the document that has my bank details.
💡 Simply: Imagine a paper that tells you something important, like your birth certificate or a recipe. It's a document! It's like a written record.
👶 For kids: A document is like a paper that tells you something important.
More Examples
This document proves that the company owns the property.
The historical document provides valuable insights into the past.
How It's Used
"The lawyer presented the document as evidence in court."
"The museum displayed historical documents detailing the era."
"Please provide the necessary documents to complete your application."
To record (something) in written, photographic, or other form.
'dɒkjʊment
To record information in a document
The scientist carefully documented their observations.
💡 Simply: Think of a detective taking notes about a crime scene. That detective is documenting things. It means to write it down for proof or later.
👶 For kids: To document is like writing something down so you don't forget it.
More Examples
Please document any changes made to the system.
They documented the historical event in a series of photographs.
How It's Used
"The project manager documented the meeting minutes."
"Researchers document their findings to ensure accurate records."
"The system needs to document all user actions."
Idioms & expressions
paper trail
A series of documents that provide information or proof about something.
"The investigators followed the paper trail to uncover the fraud."
From Latin *documentum* meaning 'a lesson, proof, or instruction'. It evolved to refer to written records, evidence, and any form of recorded information.
Historically, the word 'document' was used to refer to instructions or teachings before it took on its current meaning of a written or recorded piece of information.
Memory tip
Think of a *doc*tor's *ment*al notes - the record of their work and findings. This is a document.