# documentary

/ˌdɑkjəˈmɛnɝi/ (US) · /dˌɒkjuːmˈɛntəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/documentary
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. factual film or programme

noun · CEFR B1

a film or television show that tells a true story or gives information about real people and events.

For teachers: a non-fiction creative work, such as a film or television series, that provides a factual record or report.

- We watched a fascinating documentary about how bees communicate with each other.
- The director spent three years filming the documentary, capturing the daily struggles of families living in the remote mountain village.

### 2. based on documents

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

consisting of or based on written records and evidence.

For teachers: relating to, consisting of, or derived from documents or written records.

- The lawyer presented documentary evidence to prove that the contract was signed.
- The historian relied heavily on documentary sources from the local archives to reconstruct the town's medieval layout.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun.

### 3. factual style

adjective · CEFR B2

presented in a way that shows real life without adding made-up stories.

For teachers: presented in a factual or objective manner, often mimicking the style of a report or record.

- The book was written in a documentary style, using real letters and diary entries.
- The photographer adopted a documentary approach, refusing to stage any of the scenes or use artificial lighting.

## Examples

- We watched a documentary about the history of jazz.
- The filmmaker spent three years in the rainforest to complete her documentary on endangered species.
- While some critics argue that every documentary inherently reflects the director's bias, the film was praised for its objective portrayal of the political crisis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.