Dossier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dossier
[ˈdɔː.seɪ ]
Definition
document, report
A dossier is a collection of documents or files that contain detailed information about a particular subject, person, or event. It is often used in legal, governmental, or corporate settings to gather and organize pertinent information. Each dossier can include reports, correspondence, images, and other relevant materials. Dossiers serve as valuable references for decision-making or analysis. The term is commonly associated with intelligence and investigative activities.
Synonyms
document, file, portfolio, report.
Examples of usage
- The lawyer prepared a comprehensive dossier for the case.
- The intelligence agency compiled a dossier on potential threats.
- She kept a dossier of all her research findings.
- The corporate dossier outlined the company's annual performance.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Significance
- In legal contexts, a dossier may include evidence, witness statements, and case law applicable to a court case.
- Law enforcement agencies often maintain a dossier on individuals suspected of criminal activity to track their history.
- The creation and management of a dossier can significantly impact legal proceedings and the rights of individuals involved.
Cultural Representation
- In popular culture, dossiers are often depicted in spy movies as secret files containing intelligence on targets.
- Many historical figures have dossiers, reflecting both their public and private lives, revealing details often omitted from biographies.
- Dossiers can be used in literature to aid in storytelling, providing readers with background information about characters or events.
Administrative Use
- Businesses often utilize dossiers to organize important documents related to projects, clients, or employees.
- In education, a student dossier may contain records of achievements, evaluations, and personal information to track progress.
- Nonprofit organizations create dossiers to keep detailed accounts and reports on their activities and funding sources.
Historical Context
- During World War II, nations created dossiers on other countries to collect intelligence about military activity and political movements.
- The notion of having a dossier on someone has historical ties to governmental surveillance and espionage, particularly during the Cold War.
- Cultural and political revolutions often involve the uncovering or leaking of controversial dossiers that reveal the misconduct of powerful figures.
Origin of 'dossier'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the French word 'dossier,' which means 'bundle of papers.'
- The word was first used in the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting the influence of French on English law and administration.
- In French, 'dos' means 'back,' implying that a dossier is a file that you keep on the back side of a matter.
The word 'dossier' originates from the French term 'dossier', which translates to 'bundle of papers'. The root of the word can be traced back to the Latin word 'dorsum', meaning 'back'. This reference to 'back' reflects how documents were often compiled and bound together at the back. The term emerged in English usage in the mid-19th century, particularly in the contexts of legal and governmental documentation. Over time, 'dossier' has become prominently used in various fields, including journalism, intelligence, and business, to refer to organized collections of information that serve specific purposes. The evolution of record-keeping practices and the increasing reliance on detailed documentation in professional settings have further solidified the use of the term in modern English.