Definition

A person who specializes in the organization, management, and preservation of documents and records.

Example

The documentalist helped the library improve its archival system.

Conversation

I just learned that my cousin is training to be a documentalist.

Oh really? What does a documentalist do exactly?

They specialize in managing and organizing information and documents.

That sounds interesting! It must require a lot of attention to detail.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Documentalist → It is formed from "document" (from Latin "documentum", meaning a lesson or proof) and "-alist" (meaning a person who practices or is concerned with). A documentalist is a person who specializes in the management or organization of documents.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is an expert in handling 'documents' ('documentum') and the '-alist' means they are a person who practices that expertise.

Visually Confused Words