PRIMARY DOCUMENT Meaning and
Definition
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A primary document refers to an original, firsthand, or contemporary record that provides direct evidence or information about a specific event, topic, or period of time. These documents are typically created by individuals who have directly witnessed or participated in the event or topic being documented. Primary documents are highly valued by historians, researchers, and scholars as they offer unique insights and perspectives into the past.
Examples of primary documents include diaries, letters, interviews, speeches, official government records, legal documents, photographs, and artwork. These documents often serve as valuable sources for understanding historical events, societal changes, and cultural practices. They offer an unmediated view of the experiences, opinions, and actions of the people involved, giving researchers a direct connection to the past.
The authenticity and reliability of primary documents make them crucial in the field of historical research. Scholars critically analyze and interpret primary documents to gain a more accurate understanding of the past, often cross-referencing multiple primary sources to verify information and draw conclusions. Primary documents are also used in conjunction with secondary sources, such as textbooks or scholarly articles, to create a comprehensive understanding of a historical event or period.
In summary, primary documents are original records created by individuals who have directly witnessed or participated in a particular event or topic. These firsthand accounts offer researchers a direct connection to the past and provide unique insights into historical events and cultural practices.
Common Misspellings for PRIMARY DOCUMENT
- orimary document
- lrimary document
- 0rimary document
- peimary document
- pdimary document
- pfimary document
- ptimary document
- p5imary document
- p4imary document
- prumary document
- prjmary document
- prkmary document
- promary document
- pr9mary document
- pr8mary document
- prinary document
- prikary document
- prijary document
- primzry document
- primsry document
Etymology of PRIMARY DOCUMENT
The word "primary" is derived from the Latin word "primarius", which means first or chief. It entered the English language in the early 15th century.
The word "document" comes from the Latin word "documentum", which means lesson or proof. It was used in legal context since the late 14th century.
The term "primary document" combines these two terms to refer to a document that is considered the original, first-hand source of information. It is often used in historical research and refers to sources that were created during the same time period as the event or period being studied.
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