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Document Definition, Usage & Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：written record (document)

document 🔊

/ˈdɒkjʊmənt/

Something that contains written or printed information, like a report or a letter, often saved on a computer or as paper.

written record 🔊

➕

/ˈrɪtn ˈrekɔːd/

A document is a piece of writing or digital file that contains information, such as reports, letters, or contracts.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'documentum' (lesson, proof), from 'docere' (to teach).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a DOCument as a DOCtor's prescription: it teaches (docere) and provides proof.

📖 Example

I need to attach the meeting document to the email before sending it. 🔊 I must include the meeting file in the email prior to sending it.

🔗 Collocations

create a document – to make a new written file

edit a document – to modify the content of a file

save a document – to store a file electronically

🔄 Synonyms

file (n.) – a collection of data stored under a single name

record (n.) – a written account of information

report (n.) – a detailed account of something

🌱 Derivatives

documentary (n./adj.) – a film or television program providing a factual report, or related to documents

documentation (n.) – the material that provides official information or evidence

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'documentum', meaning 'proof' or 'lesson'. Historically, documents were written evidence used for instruction or legal proof, evolving to modern digital files.

Meaning 2：official ID (document)

document 🔊

/ˈdɒkjʊmənt/

An official paper or card that proves who you are or what you are allowed to do, like a passport or a driver's license.

official ID 🔊

➕

/əˈfɪʃl ˌaɪ ˈdiː/

A document that serves as proof of identity or authorization, such as a passport, driver's license, or ID card.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The officer checked my travel document at the airport. 🔊 The official inspected my passport at the airport.

🔗 Collocations

present a document – to show an official paper for verification

verify a document – to confirm the authenticity of an official paper

issue a document – to officially provide a certificate or license

🔄 Synonyms

identification (n.) – a document that proves who someone is

certificate (n.) – an official document attesting a fact

license (n.) – an official permit to do something

🌱 Derivatives

documented (adj.) – supported by written evidence or records

documentation (n.) – the material that provides official information or evidence