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documentarian

documentarian

1 7.0
A person who collects, organizes and preserves important papers and files
  • noun
  • /ˌdɒkjʊˈmɛnˌtɛəriən/
translation icon : archivista
  • Many documentarians strive to tell untold stories.

Examples

  • The documentarian spent years cataloging old manuscripts for the national archive.

  • As a skilled documentarian, she ensured every legal record was properly preserved.

  • Historians often rely on the work of a documentarian to access important documents.

  • The documentarian presented her findings at the conference.

  • The documentarian meticulously researched the historical records to create an accurate portrayal of events.

  • As a dedicated documentarian, she organizes and preserves important archival materials for future generations.

  • The documentarian spent years collecting interviews and footage to compile a comprehensive account of the civil rights movement.

Synonyms

curator
vsdocumentarian
79 6.1

A person who cares for and organizes collections in a museum or library

focuses more narrowly on preparing and preserving documentary records for archives or law
scribe
vsdocumentarian
25 6.2

A person who writes or records information for other people

places greater emphasis on compiling and preserving records for legal or archive use
archivist
vsdocumentarian
14 6.9

A person who collects, organizes, and keeps old records so people can use them

focuses more on preparing and preserving records for legal or archival use
file clerk
vsdocumentarian
  • US
7 3.2

A person who organizes and keeps office papers and records

aims more at compiling and preserving records for archival or legal purposes
conservator
vsdocumentarian
  • Specialized
5 7.5

A person who cares for and fixes paintings or old books in museums

focuses on preparing and keeping documentary records rather than physical conservation
recorder
vsdocumentarian
4 3.3

A person who writes and keeps the official papers for a group

focuses more on preparing and preserving those records for archives or law
compiler
vsdocumentarian
2 5.4

A person who collects and puts together information from different sources for a book or report

centres more on creating preserved records specifically for archival or legal needs
filing clerk
vsdocumentarian
1 2.7

A person who organizes and keeps documents for an office

is more about compiling and preserving records for long term legal or archive use
record-keeper
vsdocumentarian
1 3.8

A person who writes and saves important official information in files

leans more toward preparing and preserving records for archival or legal use
cataloger
vsdocumentarian
  • US
1 4.9

A person who organizes books and other items in a library by subject and number

focuses on preparing and preserving records rather than on detailed classification
filer
vsdocumentarian
1 5.1

A person who puts office papers in order and keeps them safe

focuses more on preparing records for formal preservation and legal use
indexer
vsdocumentarian
1 5.7

A person who makes lists of topics to help find things in books or databases

focuses instead on creating and preserving records for formal archive or legal needs
archiver
vsdocumentarian
  • Specialized
4.9

A person or program that collects, organizes, and stores records for future use

emphasizes compiling and long term preservation for legal or archive needs
documenter
vsdocumentarian
4.4

A person who writes or organizes information for others to use

prioritizes compiling and preserving records specifically for legal or archive purposes
recordist
vsdocumentarian
  • Formal
6.2

A person who keeps and updates an organization's official documents

places more emphasis on compiling and preserving records for long term legal use
sopher
vsdocumentarian
  • Archaic
9.9

A person who copies and keeps official papers for rulers in ancient times

focuses on modern compilation and long term preservation for legal or archive use

Surface Forms

documentarian singular

Morphology

documentarian = document (semi-transparent) = document + arian

While 'document' is clear, the suffix '-arian' indicating a person who deals with documents may not be immediately obvious.

Etymology

Documentarian also comes from document, a word for a paper that gives 'proof' or information, so a documentarian in archives is a person who keeps, organizes, and protects these papers for others to use.