diary

UK: ˈdaɪəri | US: ˈdaɪəri

Definition

  1. n. a daily record of personal experiences, thoughts, or observations

  2. n. a book or digital space used for keeping such records

Structure
di <day>ary <noun suffix>di <day>ary <noun suffix>
Etymology

diary = di<day> + ary<noun suffix>

  • di<day>: From Latin dies (day), reflecting the word’s original association with daily entries.
  • ary<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns, often indicating a place or thing associated with the root (e.g., library, dictionary).

Etymology Origin:
The word diary traces back to Latin diarium (daily allowance or journal), derived from dies (day). It entered Middle English via Medieval Latin, emphasizing its purpose as a daily log. The suffix -ary solidifies its function as a tangible object (a book) for recording day-to-day events.

Examples

  1. She writes in her diary every night before bed.

  2. His travel diary is filled with sketches and notes.

  3. The detective examined the victim’s diary for clues.

  4. Keeping a diary helps me organize my thoughts.

  5. The app functions as a digital diary with password protection.