# Terminology Decision Log

Record an approved term, definition, audience, context, variants, rationale, source authority, owner, localization notes, and reconsideration trigger.

## Usage note

Use this log for decisions that affect repeated public or internal language, not every ordinary word choice. Confirm regulated, legal, scientific, product, and identity-related terms with qualified owners. A preferred English term is not automatically an approved translation; keep language-specific decisions and regional context visible.

## How to use this template

1. Describe the underlying concept, scope, ambiguity, and source authority before comparing candidate terms.
2. Evaluate candidates for accuracy, audience recognition, context, connotation, accessibility, and translation.
3. Record the approved term, definition, forms, discouraged variants, exceptions, rationale, and approver.
4. Map affected interfaces, pages, systems, localization assets, and migration ownership.
5. Publish examples, verify adoption, and reopen the decision when its documented trigger occurs.

## Blank template

### Concept and evidence

- **Decision ID:** [Durable identifier]
- **Concept:** [What requires a term?]
- **In scope:** [Included meanings]
- **Out of scope:** [Excluded meanings]
- **Audience:** [Who encounters it?]
- **Contexts:** [Interface, help, legal, technical, campaign, or another]
- **Current confusion:** [Observed problem]
- **Authoritative sources:** [Links and dates]
- **Decision owner:** [Role]

### Term decision

- **Approved term:** [Preferred form]
- **Definition:** [Plain, testable meaning]
- **First-use treatment:** [Definition, expansion, or none]
- **Abbreviation:** [Allowed form and context]
- **Capitalization and forms:** [Plural, possessive, verb, or another]
- **Discouraged variants:** [Term and reason]
- **Required formal term:** [If plain language must appear beside it]
- **Context exception:** [Where another form is correct]
- **Rationale:** [Accuracy, recognition, consistency, or risk]

### Language and implementation

- **Localization note:** [Concept, constraints, and terms not to translate literally]
- **Regional note:** [Different meaning or accepted form]
- **Pronunciation or spoken use:** [If relevant]
- **Affected locations:** [Interfaces, pages, schema, training, and assets]
- **Migration owner:** [Role and due date]
- [ ] Historic quotations and external proper names are handled correctly.
- [ ] Search-and-replace will not alter unrelated meanings.
- [ ] Translators can access concept and context, not only the English label.

### Approval and review

- **Approved by:** [Qualified owner]
- **Effective date:** [YYYY-MM-DD]
- **Adoption evidence:** [Audit or sample]
- **Open issue:** [Question and owner]
- **Review trigger:** [Product, policy, community, or language change]
- **Superseded decision:** [Previous log ID or None]