Journals: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.