Record
/ˈrekərd/
Definitions
5 meaningsAn account of past events or a performance, preserved in written or other form; a document or other object that serves as proof of something.
/ˈrekərd/
A written account or other permanent form of something.
The historical society has a vast collection of records dating back centuries.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're keeping track of all your favorite songs. A record is like that list, but it can also be things like the best score in a game or the information in a diary. It’s all about remembering something.
👶 For kids: A record is like a book that tells us about something that happened. It could be about a game, a concert, or even what you did today!
More Examples
The athlete's record in the high jump still stands.
The police are examining the CCTV records.
How It's Used
"The company kept detailed records of all transactions."
"She broke the world record in the 100-meter sprint."
"The band released their first record last year."
The best or most remarkable achievement, especially in a particular field or activity; the highest level or amount recorded or reached.
/ˈrekərd/
The best performance achieved so far.
He holds the record for the longest home run.
💡 Simply: Think of the fastest time someone has ever run a race. That is a record! It’s the best anyone has ever done.
👶 For kids: A record is the best anyone has ever done something. Like the fastest runner!
More Examples
The temperature reached a new record high.
This year's sales figures broke all previous records.
How It's Used
"She broke the world record in the 100-meter sprint."
"The school keeps a record of all test scores."
To set down in writing or another permanent form for later reference; to capture sound or moving images on tape or another medium.
/rɪˈkɔːrd/
To set down in writing or another permanent form for later use.
The historian recorded the events of the war.
💡 Simply: Imagine you’re writing down everything that happens in a day, or using a video camera to capture something. To record is like that – saving information.
👶 For kids: To record is like taking a picture or writing something down so you can remember it later. It's like saying “cheese” for the camera!
More Examples
She recorded the song in her home studio.
The security camera recorded the entire incident.
How It's Used
"The court reporter recorded the proceedings."
"The journalist recorded the interview on a tape recorder."
"The band is recording their new album in the studio."
To state or indicate a fact or opinion formally; to express or present one's feelings or opinions.
/rɪˈkɔːrd/
To state or indicate a fact or opinion publicly.
The ambassador recorded the government's disapproval of the actions.
💡 Simply: When you let someone know what you think in a very direct way. This is more formal, like announcing it.
👶 For kids: Telling someone how you feel or what you think, like telling your mom you’re happy.
More Examples
The chairman recorded a vote in favor of the proposal.
I wish to record my disappointment with this decision.
How It's Used
"I record my thanks to everyone involved."
"The secretary recorded the minutes."
To achieve or register (a particular result, figure, etc.); to show or indicate (a particular quantity, amount, or figure) as the result of a measurement or calculation.
/rɪˈkɔːrd/
To achieve or register (a particular result, figure, etc.).
The thermometer recorded a high temperature.
💡 Simply: When a machine or process generates a number or result. Like a thermometer that records the temperature, or a cash register that records the sale
👶 For kids: When something shows a number, like a scale that shows how much you weigh.
More Examples
The seismograph recorded the earthquake.
The financial report recorded a significant profit.
How It's Used
"The company recorded a profit last year."
"The company recorded a loss for the quarter."
Synonyms
Account
Archive
Documentation
File
Log
Benchmark
Best
High
Peak
Capture
Document
Film
Note
Announce
Declare
Indicate
Antonyms
Forgetting
Oblivion
Failure
Low
Delete
Discard
Erase
Forget
Ignore
Conceal
Deny
Hide
Idioms & expressions
on the record
Officially and publicly; with one's statements available for publication.
"The politician was speaking on the record, so her statements could be quoted directly."
off the record
Not for public dissemination; confidential.
"The journalist was told the information off the record."
for the record
To make sure something is known, especially to provide official documentation or clarification.
"For the record, I want to state that I disagree with the decision."
From Old French *record* ('remembrance, testimony'), from Latin *recordari* ('to remember, call to mind'), from *re-* ('again') + *cor* (genitive *cordis*, 'heart').
The word 'record' has been used in legal and administrative contexts for centuries, indicating its importance in preserving information and documenting events. It started to apply to sound reproduction with the advent of phonographs in the late 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of a music record, a lasting physical thing representing the music that was made. Also think of a record book that keeps a lasting record of all events.