Documentary
/ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛnt(ə)ri/
Definitions
2 meaningsA film or television program based on real events, facts, and people, usually used to inform or educate.
/ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛnt(ə)ri/
A film or television program presenting the facts about a person or event.
The documentary explores the lives of endangered species.
💡 Simply: It's like a movie, but instead of made-up stories, it's about real stuff that happened. Like a movie about animals or history.
👶 For kids: A true story movie!
More Examples
The film is a powerful documentary that chronicles the history of civil rights.
She works on documentaries as a producer.
How It's Used
"I watched a fascinating documentary about climate change."
"The journalist produced a documentary exposing corruption."
Based on or supported by documents or factual evidence.
/ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛnt(ə)ri/
Relating to or based on documents.
The research used documentary sources to prove its claims.
💡 Simply: Something that is real, supported by facts or proof, like a paper or record.
👶 For kids: About real stuff, like what's written in a book!
More Examples
The judge asked for documentary proof of the defendant's claims.
They examined the documentary archives of the historical society.
How It's Used
"The case relied on documentary evidence."
"Scholars reviewed documentary sources to learn about the era."
Idioms & expressions
documentary filmmaking
The process of creating documentary films.
"Documentary filmmaking is a challenging but rewarding craft."
From Latin *documentum* ('lesson, proof') via French *documentaire*. Initially used to describe factual films, later extending to other media forms.
Historically, the term 'documentary' began to be used to describe films that presented factual information and events. Early examples of this included films that focused on travel, nature, and social issues.
Memory tip
Think of 'document' - the film documents reality.
Word Origin
"to teach, to show"