diary
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a book where you write down your private thoughts and what happens to you each day.
n.a daily record of personal experiences, observations, and reflections, typically intended for private use.
Simple“She wrote in her diary every night before going to sleep.”
In context“The historian discovered a hidden diary that provided a vivid, first-hand account of life during the occupation.”
PitfallI bought some fresh milk at the diary. I bought some fresh milk at the dairy.Do not confuse 'diary' (a book for writing) with 'dairy' (related to milk).
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a book or app used to record future appointments and meetings.
n.a calendar or personal organiser used to schedule future engagements and deadlines.
Simple“Let me check my diary to see if I am free for lunch next Tuesday.”
In context“The executive's diary was so tightly packed with back-to-back meetings that she barely had time for a coffee break.”
UsageCommonly used in British English where American English speakers would prefer 'calendar' or 'planner'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to write something down in a diary or to schedule a meeting.
v.to enter an appointment or event into a diary; to maintain a regular journal of activities.
Simple“We need to diary a follow-up meeting for next month.”
In context“The legal team was instructed to diary every interaction with the client to ensure a complete paper trail for the audit.”
UsageOften used as a transitive verb in professional or legal contexts.
From Latin diārium (“a daily allowance for soldiers, in Late Latin also ‘diary’”), neuter of *diārius, from diēs (“a day”) (whence also journal). Cognate with Spanish diario (“daily; diary”).
From Latin diārius.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.