documentary
English meaning: Documentary
Definition
A film or programme that presents facts and real events rather than a fictional story.
Example
“The documentary about ocean pollution shocked viewers and inspired many of them to change their habits.”
Another example: “The court relied on documentary evidence such as letters and receipts.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A noun for a factual film or programme; also an adjective ('documentary evidence'). Countable as a noun. Common in media and academic contexts. Contrasted with fiction or drama.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'document', from Latin 'documentum' (a lesson, proof), plus the suffix '-ary'.
Synonyms
- infotainment
- documental
- docudrama
- documentary film
Antonyms / Opposites
- fiction
- drama
Related Words
Common Collocations
- watch a documentary
- nature documentary
- documentary film
- documentary footage
- documentary evidence
Word Forms
documentary (n); documentaries
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B