documentary
dok-yuu-MEHN-tree
Documentary (noun) means a film or program that presents facts about a real subject. Example: “We watched a documentary about coral reefs last night.”
noun
1
A film or program that presents facts about a real subject.
"We watched a documentary about coral reefs last night."
"The documentary on the history of bread taught me a lot."
"Our teacher showed the class a documentary about life in the Arctic."
"Fifteen documentaries are in sharp-elbowed competition to be among the five Oscar nominees."
— Brooks Barnes, Documentaries Jostle Against Oscar Obscurity (2014)
adj
1
Based on or consisting of documents; presented factually.
"The museum has documentary evidence of the treaty signing."
"The lawyer needs documentary proof, such as letters or receipts, before the hearing."
"Historians rely on documentary sources like diaries and official records."
How to use documentary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA factual film, or something based on real records rather than fiction.
Common pairings
nature documentary
documentary evidence
documentary filmmaker
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Word forms
- Plural
- documentaries
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We watched a _____ about coral reefs last night.
Etymology
From French documentaire, from document.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for documentary
See all rhymes for documentary →Frequently asked questions
What does “documentary” mean?
The word “documentary” means a film or program that presents facts about a real subject. In plain terms, a factual film, or something based on real records rather than fiction.
How do you pronounce “documentary”?
“Documentary” is pronounced dok-yuu-MEHN-tree (/ˌdɑ.kjəˈmɛn.tə.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “documentary” in a sentence?
Here is “documentary” used in a sentence: “We watched a documentary about coral reefs last night.”
What is the opposite of “documentary”?
The opposite of “documentary” — its antonyms — is fiction.
What part of speech is “documentary”?
Depending on how it is used, “documentary” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “documentary” come from?
The word “documentary” comes from French. From French documentaire, from document.
Is “documentary” a common word?
“Documentary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “documentary” have?
“Documentary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a film or program that presents facts about a real subject.
What is the difference between a documentary and a docudrama?
A documentary presents facts about a real subject, often using real footage, interviews, and narration. A docudrama dramatizes real events using actors and scripted scenes, so it recreates reality rather than recording it directly.
What is the difference between a documentary and a mockumentary?
A documentary genuinely presents facts about a real subject, while a mockumentary is a work of fiction that deliberately imitates the style of a documentary for comic or satirical effect. The mockumentary borrows the look of factual filmmaking but tells an invented story.
What is the difference between a documentary and a docuseries?
A documentary is usually a single self-contained film about a real subject, while a docuseries tells its factual story across multiple episodes. A docuseries allows a topic to be explored in more depth over several parts.
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