B1noun 2K

Documentary

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌdɒkjuˈmentri/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌdɑːkjuˈmentri/"]/

Meaning of Documentary

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.

Documentary in a sentence

• 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

How to use Documentary

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.

Related words

Collocations with Documentary

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

Synonyms for Documentary

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

Opposites of Documentary

• fiction
• drama

Common mistakes with Documentary

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Documentary

What does Documentary mean?

A film or show that tells real stories about people or events.

What is the definition of Documentary?

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

How do you use Documentary in a sentence?

There were some interesting interviews in the documentary.

Can you give another example of Documentary?

a **television documentary** about the future of nuclear power

What are synonyms for Documentary?

Common alternatives include docuseries, factual film, nonfiction film, investigative film, reportage.

What is the opposite of Documentary?

Opposite meanings include fiction, drama.

What words go with Documentary?

It commonly pairs with film, radio, television, do, make, produce, feature, film, programme/​program, in a/​the documentary, documentary about, documentary on.

What are common mistakes when using Documentary?

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.

How do you pronounce Documentary?

US: /["/ˌdɑːkjuˈmentri/"]/, UK: /["/ˌdɒkjuˈmentri/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Documentary?

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.

What CEFR level is Documentary?

"Documentary" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.