ENGLISH
REFERENCE

diary

n. countable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈdaɪɝi// UK //dˈaɪəɹi// di·ary Archaic General-service

n. a book where you write down your private thoughts, feelings, or things that happen each day. You can also use it to keep track of future appointments and plans.

n. a daily record of personal experiences, observations, or appointments. Often used to refer to the physical book or digital application where such entries are maintained.


SIMPLE

I write in my diary every night before bed.

CONTEXTUAL

She checked her diary to see if she was free for lunch next Tuesday.

COMPLEX

Historians often rely on a subject's private diary to understand the emotional reality of an era, as these personal accounts frequently contradict the polished narratives found in official documents.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

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”).

Etymology 2

From Latin diārius.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'keep' or 'write in'. In British English, it frequently refers to a calendar for appointments, whereas American English often prefers 'calendar' or 'planner' for that specific sense.

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