recordation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Formal, Technical, Legal
Quick answer
What does “recordation” mean?
The act or process of recording something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or process of recording something; making a formal or official record.
The state or fact of being recorded. Also, a less common term for the act of remembering or recollecting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More prevalent in American English, particularly in legal, property, and municipal contexts. In British English, 'registration' or 'filing' is often preferred for similar concepts.
Connotations
Carries a strong connotation of officialdom, permanence, and legal weight, especially in American use. Can sound archaic or overly formal in general contexts.
Frequency
Uncommon in everyday speech in both dialects but has a clear technical niche in the US. Rarely encountered in general UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “recordation” in a Sentence
recordation of + NOUN (e.g., a deed, a mortgage)recordation + PREP (e.g., in the county office)the + recordation + of + NOUN + VERB (e.g., the recordation of the transfer was completed)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contracts and property transactions, e.g., 'The recordation of the commercial lease is pending.'
Academic
Used in historical or archival studies, e.g., 'The recordation of oral histories is vital for the project.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in land law and government administration, e.g., 'The title is not valid until recordation.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “recordation”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “recordation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “recordation”
- Using it as a synonym for a simple audio/video 'recording'.
- Using it in informal contexts where 'recording' or 'note-taking' would be natural.
- Spelling as 'recordition' or 'recordation' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While related, 'recordation' is specifically used in formal, legal, or administrative contexts for the act of creating an official, often public, record. 'Recording' is a broader, more general term.
No, it would sound very odd and incorrect. For music, film, or casual note-taking, use 'recording'. 'Recordation' is for legal documents, property titles, and official registers.
No, it is much rarer in British English. Terms like 'registration', 'filing', or simply 'recording' (in context) are preferred for similar ideas.
The most common mistake is using it as a direct synonym for the general act of recording (e.g., recording a voice memo). This is incorrect. Its use is narrow and formal.
The act or process of recording something.
Recordation is usually formal, technical, legal in register.
Recordation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛk.ɔːˈdeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrek.ɚˈdeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'record' + 'station' (like a police station for official files). It's the action of putting something on the official record at its proper station.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATING AN OFFICIAL MEMORY (Recording as constructing a permanent, legal memory for an institution).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'recordation' MOST appropriately used?