documentary etymology

Etymology:

The word "documentary" originates from the Latin word "documentum," meaning "lesson," "instruction," or "example."

Meaning:

A documentary is a non-fictional film or television program that presents factual information through the use of original footage, interviews, and other research materials. Documentaries typically explore real-world issues, events, or people, and aim to inform, educate, and provoke thought.

Origin:

The term "documentary" was first coined by Scottish documentary filmmaker John Grierson in his 1926 essay "Cinema and the Government." Grierson believed that films could be used as a powerful tool for social education and documentation, and advocated for a new genre that would blend entertainment and education.

Early documentaries, such as Robert Flaherty's "Nanook of the North" (1922) and Pare Lorentz's "The River" (1937), focused on capturing the lives of ordinary people in their natural settings. Over time, documentaries evolved to encompass a wide range of topics, including history, science, current events, and social issues.

Evolution:

Documentaries have played a significant role in shaping public opinion, raising awareness of important issues, and inspiring social change. They have evolved from simple observational films to complex narratives that employ a variety of cinematic techniques and storytelling methods.

Today, documentaries continue to flourish across multiple platforms, including television, streaming services, and film festivals. They remain a vital form of storytelling that allows filmmakers to engage with audiences on important and impactful topics.

documentary relate terms

  • document

    Etymology The word document originates from the Latin word documentum which means p

  • docudrama

    Etymology The term docudrama is a portmanteau of the words documentary and drama

  • documentary

    Etymology The word documentary originates from the Latin word documentum meaning l

  • drama

    Etymology Greek dran to do to act Latin drama a play or poem with dialogue M

  • documentation

    Etymology Documentation comes from the Latin word documentum which means proof e

  • film

    Etymology The word film noun comes from the Latin word pellicula meaning little s

  • picture

    Etymology The word picture comes from the Latin word pictura meaning painting or pi

  • offspring

    Etymology The word offspring comes from the Middle English word offspring which in t

  • Caesar

    Etymology The name Caesar is derived from the Latin word caedere meaning to cut

  • Jesus

    Etymology The name Jesus is derived from the Greek name Iēsous Ἰησοῦς whi

  • waffle

    Etymology The term waffle comes from the Middle Dutch word wafel meaning honeycomb

  • Israel

    Etymology The name Israel derives from the Hebrew word Yisrael יִשְׂרָאֵל

  • slander

    Etymology The word slander is derived from the Old French term esclandre which means

  • surrogate

    Etymology The term surrogate etymology is derived from the Latin words Surrogare T