Definition

1. Noun:

   • A written or printed piece of information that provides evidence or an official record: A "document" is a physical or digital item that records information, such as text or images, often for official, legal, or historical purposes.
   • A computer file containing text or data: In computing, a "document" is a file created by a word processor or similar application, containing formatted text and other elements.

2. Verb:

   • To record or provide evidence for something in detail: To "document" means to support a statement, claim, or process with factual records, evidence, or detailed written accounts.
   • To create a written or visual record of an event or process: This involves systematically recording details, often for proof, analysis, or historical preservation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Please bring all necessary documents, like your passport and visa, to the interview.
  • I saved the document on my desktop and emailed a copy to my colleague.
  • The historical documents in the archive revealed new details about the treaty.

• Verb:

  • The journalist worked to document the effects of the new policy on local communities.
  • Scientists must carefully document their experimental procedures and results.
  • Can you document the hours you worked on this project for the report?

Advanced Usage

• "To be documented": To be recorded or proven with evidence.
  • The species' migration pattern is well documented in several research papers.
• "Documented evidence": Evidence that has been formally recorded.
  • The case was dismissed due to a lack of documented evidence.

Variants and Related Words

• Documentation (n): The collection of documents or the process of creating them; the supporting evidence.
  • The software package includes full user documentation.
• Documentary (adj/n): (Adjective) Presented in a factual, recorded format. (Noun) A non-fiction film or program presenting factual information.
  • We watched a documentary about climate change.
• Documented (adj): Recorded or supported by documents.
  • She is a documented citizen of the country.

Synonyms

• Noun: Record, paper, file, instrument, deed.
• Verb: Record, detail, chronicle, substantiate, verify.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Document something as something: To officially record or classify something in a specific way.
  • The incident was documented as a workplace accident.

Related Idioms

• A paper/document trail: A series of documents that provide a record of transactions or activities, often for verification.
  • The auditor followed the paper trail to find the source of the error.

Noun

1. (computer science) a computer file that contains text (and possibly formatting instructions) using seven-bit ASCII characters
2. a written account of ownership or obligation
3. anything serving as a representation of a person's thinking by means of symbolic marks
4. writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

Verb

1. support or supply with references
   • Can you document your claims?
2. record in detail
   • The parents documented every step of their child's development