Document

Pronunciation

• noun
• RP: enPR: dŏ'kyo͝omÉ™nt, IPA: /ˈdÉ’kjÊŠmÉ™nt/
• US: enPR: dä'kyo͝omÉ™nt, IPA: /ˈdÉ‘kjÊŠmÉ™nt/
• verb
• RP: enPR: dŏ'kyo͝omÄ•nt, IPA: /ˈdÉ’kjÊŠmÉ›nt/
• US: enPR: dä'kyo͝omÄ•nt, IPA: /ˈdÉ‘kjÊŠmÉ›nt/

Origin

From Middle French document.

Noun

1. An original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information pertinent to such proof or support. Any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol.
• PaleySaint Luke ... collected them from such documents and testimonies as he ... judged to be authentic.
2. (obsolete) That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
• I. WattsLearners should not be too much crowded with a heap or multitude of documents or ideas at one time.
3. (obsolete) An example for instruction or warning.
• Sir Walter RaleighThey were forthwith stoned to death, as a document to others.

Related terms

• docent
• docile
• doctor
• doctorate
• doctrinaire
• doctrinal
• doctrine
• indoctrinate

Full definition of document

Verb

1. To record in documents.He documented each step of the process as he did it, which was good when the investigation occurred.
2. To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information.A ship should be documented according to the directions of law.