documentary
dok-yoo-MEN-tuh-ree
/ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛntəri/
(noun) A film or television program presenting facts about a person or event. (adjective) Consisting of or based on documents; presenting facts.
Emphasizes the factual, non-fiction nature, aiming to inform and often to persuade about a particular reality. It implies a commitment to presenting evidence and truth.
The story behind the word. The word 'documentary' comes from the Latin 'documentum,' meaning 'lesson, example, proof,' which itself derives from 'docere,' meaning 'to teach.' The term was first applied to film in the 1920s by Scottish filmmaker John Grierson, who defined it as 'the creative treatment of actuality,' emphasizing its purpose to teach and inform through real-world footage.
Word relationships
- non-fiction film: A broader category; 'documentary' implies a specific style and purpose of factual presentation.
- factual: Adjective form, less specific to media type.
- fictional: Based on imagination, not facts.
- narrative film: A film that tells a fictional story.
Word family
- document (noun): A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence.
- document (verb): To record (something) in written, photographic, or other form.
- documentation (noun): Material that provides official information or evidence or that serves as a record.
Collocations
- historical documentary
- nature documentary
- social documentary
- documentary film
Example sentences
- "The new documentary explored the hidden lives of deep-sea creatures, revealing astonishing behaviors." Discussing a film genre.
- "The historian relied heavily on documentary evidence, including letters and official reports, to reconstruct the events." Describing a type of evidence.
Memory hook
A 'DOCUMENTARY' uses 'DOCUMENTS' (facts and evidence) to teach you about reality. Factual film
When not to use
Do not use 'documentary' for fictional works, even if they are historically inspired. It must be based on factual evidence.
Fun facts
- The first film widely considered a documentary was 'Nanook of the North' (1922) by Robert J. Flaherty.
- John Grierson, who coined the term 'documentary' for film, was a pioneer in British documentary filmmaking.
Related words
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