Reading Theme:
Documentation: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：official papers (documentation)
documentation
/ˌdɒkjʊmənˈteɪʃən/
n.
Official papers or files that give information or proof.
official papers
➕
/əˈfɪʃəl ˈpeɪpərz/
n.
Refers to formal written materials that serve as information or proof.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'documentum' (proof), derived from 'docere' (to teach).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'document' + 'ation' – the action of creating documents.
📖 Example
Before starting the new job, please read all the safety documentation carefully.
Before starting the new job, please read all the safety documentation carefully.
🔗 Collocations
technical documentation – written instructions for using technology
legal documentation – official papers related to law
project documentation – records of a project's details
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
document (n./v.) – a written record or to record in writing
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'documentum', meaning proof. In modern English, it is crucial in fields like software development for code instructions and legal contexts for evidence.
Meaning 2：record-keeping (documentation)
documentation
/ˌdɒkjʊmənˈteɪʃən/
n.
The act or process of recording information to create evidence.
record-keeping
➕
/rɪˈkɔːrd ˌkiːpɪŋ/
n.
The process of systematically recording information to create evidence or a reference.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The researcher's careful documentation of the plant's growth cycle was crucial for the study.
The researcher's careful documentation of the plant's growth cycle was crucial for the study.
🔗 Collocations
detailed documentation – thorough recording of information
scientific documentation – systematic records in research
process documentation – records of procedures and steps
🔄 Synonyms
recording (n.) – the act of making a record of something
logging (n.) – systematic recording of events or data
chronicling (n.) – keeping a detailed record over time
🌱 Derivatives
documentary (n./adj.) – a film or program presenting facts, or relating to documents
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