Documents Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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documents

[ˈdɑːkjəmənts ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

Official papers that are used to prove something or to give information, especially in a court of law.

Synonyms

files, papers, records.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
documents	Use for general or official written or printed materials, especially those required for specific purposes like travel, legal matters, or business. Can be digital or physical. I need to submit these documents for the visa application Please upload your documents to the shared drive
papers	Usually refers to smaller, often informal documents, such as letters, academic essays, or notes. Can have a very broad usage but tends to be less formal than 'documents'. She left some important papers on the desk Have you finished writing your research paper?
records	Primarily used for systematic logs or accounts of data, often kept for official, legal, or historical purposes. Implies thoroughness and accuracy. The hospital keeps detailed medical records of all patients The company’s records show a significant increase in sales this quarter
files	Commonly used for collections of related information stored on computers or in physical folders, often organized for easy access and management. I saved the report in the project files Can you share the company files with the new employee?

Examples of usage

Please bring all the necessary documents with you to the meeting.
The lawyer examined the documents carefully before presenting them in court.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

general

To record in writing or on film or tape the details of something, such as an event or a person's life.

Synonyms

chronicle, record, report.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
documents	Used for referring to written or printed papers that provide information or evidence. Common in official, legal, or administrative contexts. Please review the documents before signing the contract. The documents were stored in a secure location.
record	Used for any type of information or evidence that has been preserved in a permanent form. Can refer to written, audio, or digital formats. The museum has an excellent record of ancient artifacts. We need to keep a record of all transactions.
chronicle	Used when referring to a detailed and continuous account of events arranged in order of their occurrence. Often historical or journalistic. The book is a chronicle of the country's political history. She wrote a chronicle of her travels across Asia.
report	Used for presenting information in a structured format, often for a specific audience or purpose. Can be formal or informal, and commonly appears in business, journalism, and academics. The annual financial report was presented to the shareholders. The journalist's report on the earthquake was very detailed.

Examples of usage

The journalist documented the entire journey in his blog.
We need to document the process step by step for future reference.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'documents'

The word 'documents' originated from the Latin word 'documentum', which means 'lesson' or 'instruction'. Over time, it evolved to refer to written records or proofs. Documents play a crucial role in legal and administrative processes, providing evidence and information. The act of documenting has been essential throughout history for preserving knowledge and recording events. In the digital age, the concept of documents has expanded to include electronic files and data.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,675, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1672 liability
1673 acquired
1674 seek
1675 documents
1676 pieces
1677 transport
1678 ensure
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