Dossier vs. Document — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 7, 2024
A dossier is a collection of detailed records on a particular subject or person, while a document is any written, typed, or printed information.
Difference Between Dossier and Document
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A dossier is specifically a collection of documents or records about a person, event, or subject, often used for reference or analysis. It implies a comprehensive and detailed file. In contrast, a document is a broader term that can refer to any piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence.
Dossiers are typically organized and compiled for specific purposes, such as background checks, legal cases, or research projects. They contain a curated selection of relevant documents. On the other hand, a document can stand alone and doesn’t necessarily have to be part of a larger collection. It can be as simple as a letter, a report, a certificate, or any other record.
The term "dossier" often carries a formal or official connotation and is commonly used in legal, political, or academic contexts. It suggests a systematic and thorough collection. Conversely, "document" is a more generic term and can apply to any form of recorded information, regardless of its significance or context.
In usage, when one refers to a dossier, it usually implies that the information is meticulously compiled and organized. Documents, however, can range from highly formalized legal papers to casual correspondence or notes.
To summarize, while both a dossier and a document pertain to recorded information, a dossier is a specific collection of documents focused on a particular subject, and a document is any individual record or piece of information.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A collection of detailed records on a subject
Any written, typed, or printed information
Purpose
Used for specific analysis or reference
Can serve any purpose, including evidence or information
Context
Often formal or official, like in legal or academic situations
Broad and varied, from formal to informal contexts
Structure
Organized, systematic collection
Can be a single, standalone item
Connotation
Implies thoroughness and specificity
More general, no inherent implication of thoroughness
Compare with Definitions
Dossier
An organized set of documents used for reference.
The lawyer prepared a comprehensive dossier for the case.
Document
A written, printed, or electronic piece of information.
He signed the document after reading it thoroughly.
Dossier
A collection of detailed documents about a person.
The spy's dossier contained all his background information.
Document
Any form of record providing evidence or information.
The historical document was preserved in the museum.
Dossier
A file containing extensive records on a specific subject.
The research dossier was essential for the study.
Document
A piece of written work used in professional or personal contexts.
She created a document outlining the project's goals.
Dossier
A systematic record used in professional or official contexts.
The agency maintains a dossier on each matter.
Document
A legal or official paper that records an agreement, process, or fact.
The contract is an important legal document.
Dossier
A curated compilation of information for analysis.
Her job was to update the client's dossier regularly.
Document
A written or printed paper that bears the original, official, or legal form of something and can be used to furnish decisive evidence or information.
Dossier
A collection of documents about a particular person, event, or subject
A dossier of complaints
We have a dossier on him
Document
An item of recorded information, regardless of medium or format.
He saved the document on his computer for future reference.
Dossier
A collection of papers giving detailed information about a particular person or subject.
Document
A document is a written, drawn, presented, or memorialized representation of thought, often the manifestation of non-fictional, as well as fictional, content. The word originates from the Latin Documentum, which denotes a "teaching" or "lesson": the verb doceō denotes "to teach".
Dossier
A collection of papers and/or other sources, containing detailed information about a particular person or subject, together with a synopsis of their content.
Document
A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence or that serves as an official record.
Dossier
A bundle containing the papers in reference to some matter.
Document
Record (something) in written, photographic, or other form
The photographer spent years documenting the lives of miners
Dossier
A collection of papers containing detailed information about a particular person or subject (usually a person's record)
Document
Something, such as a recording or a photograph, that can be used to furnish evidence or information.
Document
A writing that contains information.
Document
(Computers) A piece of work created with an application, as with a word processor.
Document
(Computers) A computer file that is not an executable file and contains data for use by applications.
Document
Something, especially a material substance such as a coin bearing a revealing symbol or mark, that serves as proof or evidence.
Document
To furnish with a document or documents.
Document
To methodically record the details of
"I had thought long and logically about ... how to document the patterns of dolphin behavior" (Diana Reiss).
Document
To support (an assertion or claim, for example) with evidence or decisive information.
Document
To support (statements in a book, for example) with written references or citations; annotate.
Document
An original or official paper used as the basis, proof, or support of anything else, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information pertinent to such proof or support.
Document
Any material substance on which the information is represented by writing.
Document
(computing) A file that contains text.
Document
(obsolete) That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
Document
(obsolete) An example for instruction or warning.
Document
To record in documents.
He documented each step of the process as he did it, which was good when the investigation occurred.
Document
To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information.
A ship should be documented according to the directions of law.
Document
That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
Learners should not be too much crowded with a heap or multitude of documents or ideas at one time.
Document
An example for instruction or warning.
They were forth with stoned to death, as a document to others.
Document
An original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else; - in its most extended sense, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information in the case; any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol.
Saint Luke . . . collected them from such documents and testimonies as he . . . judged to be authentic.
Document
To teach; to school.
I am finely documented by my own daughter.
Document
To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information; as, a a ship should be documented according to the directions of law.
Document
Writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
Document
Anything serving as a representation of a person's thinking by means of symbolic marks
Document
A written account of ownership or obligation
Document
(computer science) a computer file that contains text (and possibly formatting instructions) using 7-bit ASCII characters
Document
Record in detail;
The parents documented every step of their child's development
Document
Support or supply with references;
Can you document your claims?
Common Curiosities
How does a dossier differ from a document?
A dossier is a collection of documents, while a document is a single piece of information.
Can a document be part of a dossier?
Yes, individual documents can be components of a dossier.
What is a dossier?
A dossier is a collection of documents or records about a specific subject.
What types of documents can be found in a dossier?
A dossier can contain various types of documents, like reports, letters, or records.
Do all documents have legal significance?
Not necessarily; documents can range from legally binding contracts to informal notes.
Is an email considered a document?
Yes, emails are electronic documents.
What is a document?
A document is any piece of written, printed, or electronic information.
Can a single paper be called a document?
Yes, any recorded information, even a single paper, is a document.
Is a dossier always related to a person?
No, a dossier can be about a person, event, subject, or any specific topic.
Is a dossier a formal document?
A dossier is a collection that can include formal documents but is itself not a single document.
Are dossiers used in legal contexts?
Yes, dossiers are often used in legal, political, and academic settings.
Do documents always need to be written?
Mostly, but documents can also include other forms like diagrams, photographs, or videos.
Are dossiers public information?
Dossiers can be either public or confidential, depending on their content and purpose.
Can a dossier be digital?
Yes, dossiers can exist in both physical and digital formats.
Can anyone create a dossier?
Yes, anyone can compile a dossier for various purposes.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
