Cool MateDocumentary
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.