Document vs. Statement — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 18, 2024
A document is a physical or digital record containing information, often formal and detailed, whereas a statement is a specific declaration or communication of facts or opinions.
Difference Between Document and Statement
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A document generally refers to any formal piece of writing that provides information or evidence, often used in legal, business, or academic contexts. On the other hand, a statement is usually a concise, explicit declaration or assertion, typically intended to convey a specific point or detail within or outside of a document.
Documents can include a wide range of materials such as letters, reports, contracts, and more. They are structured and often contain multiple types of information. Whereas, statements are typically focused and are used to present a singular idea or fact, and can be a part of a document or stand alone.
The creation of a document often involves multiple steps including drafting, reviewing, and formalizing, reflecting its comprehensive and formal nature. On the other hand, a statement can be spontaneously created and communicated, emphasizing its role in immediate clarification or reporting.
In terms of legal weight, documents usually carry more, as they can serve as binding agreements or official records. Statements, while important, often serve to support or clarify the information within documents, and may require additional verification.
Usage also varies; documents are archived and referenced as part of official records and transactions. In contrast, statements, though they can be recorded and archived, are often used in communication to express positions, responses, or updates.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A record containing information
A declaration or assertion
Composition
Can be multi-faceted and detailed
Typically focused and concise
Creation Process
Often formal and multi-step
Can be immediate and direct
Legal Weight
Generally high
Variable, often needs support
Usage
Archiving, reference
Communication, clarification
Compare with Definitions
Document
Any piece of written material in a digital or paper format.
She organized the documents into folders.
Statement
A definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing.
The spokesperson issued a statement to the press.
Document
A written or printed record that provides information.
He attached the document to the email for review.
Statement
An expression of facts or opinions.
His statement clarified his position on the issue.
Document
Official papers that provide proof or evidence.
The legal documents were filed with the court.
Statement
A summary of financial transactions.
She reviewed her bank statement for any irregular transactions.
Document
A formal written or printed publication.
The company releases an annual document outlining its achievements.
Statement
A formal account or declaration.
The witness made a statement to the police.
Document
Papers required to establish identity or status.
Passport and birth certificate are essential travel documents.
Statement
A written or oral assertion offered as evidence.
His statement was crucial in the trial's outcome.
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".
Statement
The act of stating or declaring
The attorney's statement took an hour.
Document
A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence or that serves as an official record.
Statement
Something stated; a declaration
The witness made many false statements.
Document
Record (something) in written, photographic, or other form
The photographer spent years documenting the lives of miners
Statement
A formal oral or written declaration, especially with regard to facts or claims
In a statement, the firm denied any wrongdoing.
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.
Statement
An abstract of a commercial or financial account showing an amount due; a bill.
Document
Something, such as a recording or a photograph, that can be used to furnish evidence or information.
Statement
A monthly report sent to a debtor or bank depositor.
Document
A writing that contains information.
Statement
(Computers) An elementary instruction in a programming language.
Document
(Computers) A piece of work created with an application, as with a word processor.
Statement
An overall impression or mood intended to be communicated, especially by means other than words
Glass, exposed beams, and antiques created a strong decorative statement.
Document
(Computers) A computer file that is not an executable file and contains data for use by applications.
Statement
Having a striking appearance, often because of large size, unusual design, or extensive ornamentation
A statement necklace.
Statement furniture.
Document
Something, especially a material substance such as a coin bearing a revealing symbol or mark, that serves as proof or evidence.
Statement
A declaration or remark.
Make a statement
Publish a statement
Utter a statement
Document
To furnish with a document or documents.
Statement
A presentation of opinion or position.
Document
To methodically record the details of
"I had thought long and logically about ... how to document the patterns of dolphin behavior" (Diana Reiss).
Statement
(finance) A document that summarizes financial activity.
A bank statement
Document
To support (an assertion or claim, for example) with evidence or decisive information.
Statement
(computing) An instruction in a computer program, especially one that returns no value, as opposed to a function call.
Document
To support (statements in a book, for example) with written references or citations; annotate.
Statement
(transitive) To provide an official document of a proposition, especially in the UK a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
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.
Statement
The act of stating, reciting, or presenting, orally or on paper; as, to interrupt a speaker in the statement of his case.
Document
Any material substance on which the information is represented by writing.
Statement
That which is stated; a formal embodiment in language of facts or opinions; a narrative; a recital.
Document
(computing) A file that contains text.
Statement
A message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc;
According to his statement he was in London on that day
Document
(obsolete) That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
Statement
A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true;
It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true
Document
(obsolete) An example for instruction or warning.
Statement
(music) the presentation of a musical theme;
The initial statement of the sonata
Document
To record in documents.
He documented each step of the process as he did it, which was good when the investigation occurred.
Statement
A nonverbal message;
A Cadillac makes a statement about who you are
His tantrums are a statement of his need for attention
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.
Statement
The act of affirming or asserting or stating something
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.
Statement
(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
Document
An example for instruction or warning.
They were forth with stoned to death, as a document to others.
Statement
A document showing credits and debits
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
What are examples of documents?
Examples include contracts, letters, and reports.
Is a bank statement a document?
Yes, a bank statement is a type of document that summarizes financial transactions.
What is a document?
It's a formal piece of writing that records information, used in various contexts like business and law.
Can a statement be a document?
Yes, a statement can be part of a document but is typically a specific declaration within it.
How do documents differ from statements in legal contexts?
Documents often serve as binding records while statements might need corroboration.
How important are documents in business?
Very important, as they often serve as records of transactions and agreements.
What is the difference between a statement and a report?
A statement is a specific declaration, while a report is a more detailed and structured document.
How is a statement typically used?
It's used to provide or clarify information, often publicly or in the context of reporting.
Can a document exist without any statements?
Yes, some documents might purely contain data or images without any declarative statements.
What types of statements are there?
Financial, personal, and legal are common types.
What makes a statement reliable?
Corroboration, context, and the credibility of the source influence its reliability.
Are all documents considered legal?
Not all, but many documents have legal relevance, depending on their nature and context.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
