B1noun2K

Documentary

UK /["/ˌdɒkjuˈmentri/"]/US /["/ˌdɑːkjuˈmentri/"]/

Definition

a film or a radio or television programme giving facts about something

In simple words: A film or show that tells real stories about people or events.

Examples

  • There were some interesting interviews in the documentary.
  • a **television documentary** about the future of nuclear power
  • a documentary on the life of Henry Ford
  • a documentary film-maker

Usage notes

Use 'documentary' when referring to factual films or series. It is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal settings. Not suitable for fictional films.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'doc-u-mentary' — think of a document that provides a story about real life.

Collocations

  • film
  • radio
  • television
  • do
  • make
  • produce
  • feature
  • film
  • programme/​program
  • in a/​the documentary
  • documentary about
  • documentary on

Synonyms

  • docuseries
  • factual film
  • nonfiction film
  • investigative film
  • reportage

Antonyms

  • fiction
  • drama

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'document' — a documentary is a film, while a document is a written text.
  • Using 'documentaries' when referring to a single film — remember it can be both singular and plural.
  • Thinking all educational films are documentaries — not all films labeled as educational are true documentaries.