document
The historian studied ancient documents to uncover the truth about the past.
The historian examined old written records to learn historical facts.
A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence.
She signed the legal document without reading it carefully.
She put her signature on the official paper without reviewing it.
Can refer to physical or digital files, such as PDFs or Word documents.
To record or verify in written form.
The police documented the suspect's statement in their report.
The police wrote down the suspect's statement as official evidence.
Often used in professional or legal contexts to describe the act of recording information.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Distinguish noun and verb meanings
As a noun, 'document' refers to a physical or digital file. As a verb, it means to record or verify information in writing. For example: 'The report is a document' (noun) vs. 'They documented the findings' (verb).
Gold Rule
Use 'document' for formal or official records
Prefer 'document' when referring to official, written evidence (e.g., 'legal document'). For informal notes, words like 'note' or 'memo' may be more appropriate.
Word Origin
From Middle English *documente*, from Old French *document*, from Latin *documentum* (lesson, proof, evidence), from *docere* (to teach). Originally meant 'lesson' or 'instruction' before shifting to its current sense.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'document' is countable (e.g., 'She read three documents'). As a verb, it is transitive (e.g., 'They documented the event'). In computing, 'document' often refers to files created by word processors (e.g., Word documents).