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Journals Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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journals

[ˈdʒɜːrnlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

writing

A daily record of news and events of a personal nature; a diary.

Synonyms

diary, log, notebook.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diary

Commonly used for personal daily record-keeping, usually of events, experiences, and feelings. It often contains a more personal tone.

  • She writes in her diary every night before bed.
  • His diary was full of secrets about his high school days.
log

Typically used to systematically record specific data, events, or activities, often in a professional or technical setting. It may have a formal tone.

  • The ship's captain maintained a detailed log of the journey.
  • The IT department keeps a log of server performance and issues.
notebook

Used for jotting down notes, ideas, sketches, and other informal information. It is less structured than a diary or journal.

  • She always carries a notebook to capture her creative ideas.
  • His notebook was filled with class notes and doodles.

Examples of usage

  • She kept a journal to document her thoughts and experiences.
  • His journal was filled with sketches and notes from his travels.
Context #2 | Noun

academic

A periodical publication containing articles on a particular subject or profession.

Synonyms

magazine, periodical, publication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
journals

Can also mean a personal diary where someone writes their daily thoughts and experiences.

  • She kept detailed journals of her travels around the world.
  • Writing in journals helped him cope with his emotions.
publication

A broad term that can refer to any printed material distributed to the public, including books, reports, newspapers, journals, and magazines.

  • Her latest publication received critical acclaim.
  • The committee approved the publication of the annual report.
periodical

Refers to any publication that is issued at regular intervals. This term is common in libraries and academic settings.

  • The library's periodical section includes great resources for research.
  • He has been reading that periodical for years.
magazine

Typically refers to a publication with general interest content, often including articles, interviews, and advertisements. Magazines are usually aimed at a broader audience and are often glossy and colorful.

  • She loves reading fashion magazines.
  • The latest issue of the technology magazine features an interview with a famous innovator.

Examples of usage

  • She published her research in a reputable scientific journal.
  • The medical journal featured the latest advancements in healthcare.
Context #3 | Verb

writing

To write or record in a journal.

Synonyms

document, log, record.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
journals

Used to refer to periodical publications or a personal diary where regular entries are made.

  • She subscribes to several science journals.
  • I've kept personal journals since I was a teenager.
record

An account of something that has been kept for future use, which can be written, audio, or video. It often implies official or historical documentation.

  • She set a new record for the fastest marathon time.
  • The company maintains detailed employment records.
log

Typically used for records of activities, especially in technical or maritime contexts. It can also be used informally for diaries or records.

  • The captain logged the ship's position every hour.
  • He kept a daily log of his journey.
document

Refers to a written, drawn, presented, or recorded representation of thoughts. It is often used formally.

  • Please sign the document at the bottom of the page.
  • He had to document all his sources for the research paper.

Examples of usage

  • She journaled about her travels every night.
  • He journaled his thoughts and reflections on life.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Writing in a personal journal can help reduce stress and improve mental health, providing an outlet for emotions.
  • Keeping a gratitude journal, where you write things you are thankful for, is linked to increased happiness and well-being.

Literature

  • Famous writers like Virginia Woolf and Anaïs Nin kept intimate journals, using them to explore their thoughts and creativity.
  • Diaries, a form of journal, have historically been significant in literature, offering personal insights into the lives of influential figures.

Education

  • Journals are used in educational settings as reflective tools, helping students process what they learn and articulate their thoughts.
  • Research shows that journaling can enhance writing skills in students by allowing them to practice in a low-pressure environment.

Pop Culture

  • Journals frequently appear in movies and books, often symbolizing self-discovery and personal growth, such as in 'The Diary of Anne Frank'.
  • The 'Dear Diary' trope is common in many films and TV shows, where characters share their secrets and feelings with their journals.

Origin of 'journals'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'journal' comes from the Old French 'journal', which means 'daily' and reflects the practice of recording daily events.
  • Originally, 'journal' referred to a book for daily records, and it has roots in the Latin word 'diurnalis', meaning 'of a day'.

The word 'journal' originates from the Old French 'jurnal', meaning 'daily', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'diurnalis' meaning 'daily'. The concept of keeping a journal as a personal record dates back centuries, with famous historical figures like Anne Frank and Samuel Pepys known for their detailed journals. In the academic sense, journals have been a vital source of scholarly communication and knowledge dissemination.

See also: journal, journaling, journalism, journalist.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,906, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.