English Reference
noun · verb

document

n. · v.
US /ˈdɑkjəmɛnt/ doc·u·ment UK spelling documented, documenting, documents

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.an official paper that gives information or proof of something.

    n.an original or official paper used as the basis, proof, or support of a claim or transaction.

    Simple

    You must bring a legal document, like a passport, to the bank.

    In context

    The solicitor requested every relevant document pertaining to the property sale to ensure the title was clear of any previous claims.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary Computing

    n.a computer file that contains text, like a letter or a report.

    n.a digital file containing text or multimedia content, typically created with a word processor.

    Simple

    I saved the document on my desktop so I could find it easily.

    In context

    The software allows multiple users to edit the same document simultaneously, tracking changes in real time across different devices.

    filetext file
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    v.to record the details of something in writing, photos, or film.

    v.to record information in written, photographic, or other form to create a permanent account.

    Simple

    The photographer wanted to document how people live in small villages.

    In context

    Historians have spent decades trying to document the daily lives of ordinary citizens during the industrial revolution using surviving journals and letters.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    v.to provide papers or evidence to prove that something is true.

    v.to furnish with documents or evidence necessary to establish facts or support a specific argument.

    Simple

    You need to document your expenses if you want the company to pay you back.

    In context

    The research paper was meticulously documented, citing over fifty primary sources to support its controversial thesis.

Usage documented cases · documenting the methods


Borrowed from Middle French document, from Latin documentum.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin documentum
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated