white book
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A government report or official document, typically bound in white covers. This term specifically refers to an authoritative publication issued by a government body to explain policy, present information, or detail findings on a specific issue.
Usage
The term "white book" is used to refer to an official government publication. It is a formal and somewhat dated term. - It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., a white book, the white book). - It often appears in historical or political contexts.
Examples
- The ministry published a white book detailing its new environmental strategy.
- Historians often consult government white books from that era to understand official policy.
- The commission's findings were compiled into an official white book.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to refer to any comprehensive, authoritative report, though this is less common.
- The committee's final report was so thorough it was like a white book on the subject.
Variants and Related Words
- White Paper: A more common modern term for an authoritative report or guide issued by a government or organization to help people understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision. While very similar, a "white paper" is often seen as a document seeking to argue for a specific position or future course of action.
Synonyms
- Report: A detailed account or statement about a subject.
- Document: A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information.
- Dossier: A collection of documents about a particular person, event, or subject.
Notes on Meaning
- The primary meaning is tied to an official government publication. The "white" refers to the traditional color of its binding, not its content.
- It should not be confused with a "blue book," which can refer to various official registers, examination booklets, or price guides, depending on the context.
Noun
- a government report; bound in white