Journal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📓
Add to dictionary

journal

[ˈʤɜːrnəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

writing

A daily record of news and events of a personal nature, often kept as a diary.

Synonyms

diary, log, notebook.

Examples of usage

  • She wrote in her journal every night before bed.
  • His journal was filled with sketches and notes from his travels.
Context #2 | Noun

academic

A scholarly publication containing articles written by experts in a particular field.

Synonyms

magazine, periodical, publication.

Examples of usage

  • The latest issue of the medical journal contained groundbreaking research findings.
  • She submitted her paper to a prestigious scientific journal.
Context #3 | Verb

writing

To write or record in a journal or diary.

Synonyms

document, record, write down.

Examples of usage

  • She likes to journal about her thoughts and experiences.
  • He journaled his travels in great detail.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Journals date back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, where scribes documented daily life and governance.
  • Famous figures like Leonardo da Vinci kept journals to document their artistic processes and scientific observations.

Pop Culture

  • The secret diary genre became popular with books like 'The Diary of Anne Frank,' which showcased the power of personal storytelling.
  • Television shows often feature characters having journals that reveal their innermost thoughts, allowing viewers to connect deeply with them.

Psychology

  • Writing in a journal can help reduce stress and improve mental health by providing a safe space for self-expression.
  • Research shows that journaling can boost creativity and problem-solving skills as it encourages free thought.

Literature

  • Journaling is a common literary technique used in novels to give readers insight into a character's thoughts and feelings.
  • Famous authors like Virginia Woolf and Anaïs Nin used journals to develop their writing styles and explore their identities.

Origin of 'journal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the Old French 'journal,' which meant 'daily' and relates to 'jour' meaning 'day.'
  • In Latin, 'diurnalis' means 'daily,' signifying how journals often capture daily thoughts.

The word 'journal' originated from the Old French term 'jurnal', which meant 'daily'. It entered the English language in the 14th century with the meaning of a daily record of events. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings, including a personal diary and a scholarly publication. Journals play a crucial role in academic research and personal reflection, serving as a means of recording and sharing information.


See also: journaling, journalism, journalist, journals.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,057, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.