document

document — noun

IPA/ˈdɒkjumənt/
KK[dˈɑkjəmɛnt]IPA/ˈdɑːkjumənt/
  • documentsingular
  • documentsplural

1. A written item such as a contract, passport, or certificate that carries importa

1.nounA2
Definition

A written item such as a contract, passport, or certificate that carries important details and is issued by an authority or used for formal purposes.

Example

Nkechi had to sign several documents before she could rent the apartment.

verb + document: sign a document

The visa application requires supporting documents like bank statements and a passport photo.

collocation: supporting documents

Common collocations
  • sign a document
  • file a document
  • legal document
  • official document
  • supporting document
  • relevant document
  • original document
Synonyms
  • paper

    less formal, often refers to a single sheet or academic writing

  • certificate

    a specific type of official document that proves a fact or qualification

  • deed

    a legal document about property ownership; narrower in scope

Common Mistakes

I need to document the report.' (when meaning a file)
I need to get the document.
As a noun, 'document' means a piece of writing; as a verb it means to record details.

2. A file on a computer that contains text, images, or other user-created data and

2.nounA2
Definition

A file on a computer that contains text, images, or other user-created data and is saved under its own name.

Example

Sivan saved the document to her desktop before closing the laptop.

verb + document: save a document

Could you send me that document as a PDF attachment in an email?

preposition: document as [format]

Common collocations
  • save a document
  • open a document
  • create a document
  • share a document
  • Word document
  • PDF document
  • electronic document
Synonyms
  • file

    broader term; covers any type of computer file, not just text or office files

  • spreadsheet

    a specific type of document used for numbers and data tables

Usage Note

In computing contexts, 'document' often implies a file created with a word processor or similar application, but it can also refer to spreadsheets, PDFs, and presentations.

Common Mistakes

I deleted the document from the folder.' (when meaning an image file)
I deleted the image file from the folder.
On computers, 'document' usually refers to text-based or office files, not all file types.

document — verb

IPA/ˈdɒk.jə.ment/
KK[dˈɑkjəmɛnt]IPA/ˈdɑː.kjə.ment/

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/2

All four words relate to showing that something is true, but they differ in strength and method. To 'document' something means to collect and present supporting records or references — the focus is on compiling available evidence rather than reaching a final conclusion. To 'prove' is stronger and more conclusive: it means establishing a fact beyond reasonable doubt through logic or direct evidence. To 'demonstrate' is to show something clearly through examples, experiments, or reasoning; it can be less formal than 'document' and often involves a visual or practical display. To 'verify' means to check that something is accurate or true by comparing it against a known standard or source. For instance, a researcher might 'document' patient symptoms over a year, 'demonstrate' a link to diet through charts, and 'verify' the diagnosis with a second medical opinion, but only a further study could 'prove' the cause.

document ↗prove ↗demonstrate ↗verify ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • document a process
  • document a link
  • document findings
  • document evidence

Adverbs

Phrases

  • original document
  • official document
  • supporting document
  • legal document
  • electronic document

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'documentum' meaning 'example, proof, lesson,' derived from 'docēre' meaning 'to teach.' The word entered Middle English through Old French in the 1400s, originally referring to official papers that served as evidence or proof. The meaning expanded in the 20th century to include computer files containing text or data, reflecting the shift from paper to digital storage.