documentary
word
/ˌdɑkjəˈmɛnɝi/
dah-kyuh-MEN-tuh-ree
/dˌɒkjuːmˈɛntəɹi/
dok-yoo-MEN-tuh-ree
Definition
A documentary is a film or television program that presents real facts about people, events, or nature, often using interviews and real footage.
Usage & Nuances
Usually refers to non-fiction video or film. Typical collocations: "watch a documentary," "nature documentary," "historical documentary." Not used for fiction or news programs. More formal than calling something just a "movie."
Spanish: documentalPortuguese (BR): documentárioPortuguese (PT): documentárioChinese (Simplified): 纪录片Chinese (Traditional): 紀錄片Hindi: डॉक्युमेंट्रीArabic: فيلم وثائقيBengali: ডকুমেন্টারি - প্রামাণ্যচিত্রRussian: документальный фильмJapanese: ドキュメンタリーVietnamese: phim tài liệuKorean: 다큐멘터리Turkish: belgeselUrdu: دستاویزی فلمIndonesian: film dokumenter
Example Sentences
I prefer a good documentary over a blockbuster movie any day.
natural
We watched a documentary about penguins in class.
basic
This documentary explains how chocolate is made.
basic
She loves to watch a documentary before bed.
basic
Did you catch that new documentary on volcanoes last night?
natural
The documentary really opened my eyes to environmental issues.
natural