What is diary? Pronunciation and usage in English

diary means . Learn how to pronounce and use diary through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of diary

diarynoun

/ˈdʌɪəri/
Definition & pronunciation of diary

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "diary." It's a tricky one for many English learners!

Here's the typical pronunciation, broken down:

  • di - pronounced like "dee" (as in "deep")
  • -ar- - pronounced like "ahr" (as in "father")
  • -y - pronounced like "ee" (as in "see")

Putting it together: DEE-ahr-ee

Here's a helpful tip: Think of it like "dee-air-ee."

Resources for Hearing it:

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  • Give you some example sentences using the word "diary"?

Usage and examples with the word diary in English

Let's break down how to use the word "diary" in English. It has a few different meanings and ways you can use it.

1. As a Physical Book:

  • Definition: A diary is most commonly a small, bound book in which one records one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Think of it like a personal journal.
  • Usage:
    • "I keep a diary to write down my dreams."
    • "She always carried her diary with her."
    • “He started writing in a new diary after his grandmother passed away.”
    • "I found an old diary in the attic filled with my great-grandfather's recollections."

2. As a Digital Record (More Modern):

  • Definition: "Diary" can also refer to an online or digital journal – a blog, a personal website, or even a specific app where someone records their daily life.
  • Usage:
    • “She’s been documenting her travels on her diary – a travel blog.”
    • “He used a diary app to track his mood and goals.”
    • “Her online diary went viral because of its honesty.”

3. Figuratively (Less Common, but Important):

  • Definition: "Diary" can be used metaphorically to represent a person's thoughts, memories, or feelings – essentially, their inner life.
  • Usage:
    • "His diary was filled with regrets." (Meaning his memories were filled with regret.)
    • "She lost herself in her own diary of emotions." (Meaning she was deeply absorbed in her feelings.)
    • "The novel is like reading the diary of a troubled young artist." (Meaning it feels like reading a personal account of someone's inner world).

Key Words and Phrases Associated with "Diary":

  • Journal: Often used interchangeably with diary, but "journal" can sometimes imply a more formal or structured record.
  • Record: A diary is a record of events and feelings.
  • Personal Account: A diary is a personal account of a person’s life.
  • Private: Diarists generally keep their diaries private.
  • Reflections: Diaries often contain reflections on events and experiences.

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Usage Definition Example
Physical Book A bound book for recording thoughts/events "I read a diary about a young spy."
Digital Record Online journal or blog "She has a diary on Instagram."
Figurative Inner thoughts, memories, or feelings "His diary was filled with sadness."

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Synonyms for the word diary

Practice with vocabulary diary

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She meticulously recorded her daily observations and scientific findings in a leather-bound _______.
  2. For managing his appointments and project deadlines, he relied on a detailed digital _______ accessible from all his devices.
  3. The researcher kept a detailed field _______ of all species observed during the expedition.
  4. Before the meeting, please ensure you have reviewed the entire project _______ to grasp the current status.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following can be used to record daily events or personal thoughts? A) agenda B) journal C) diary D) logbook

  2. If you want to keep track of your schedule and appointments, you might use a/an _______. A) calendar B) memorandum C) diary D) planner

  3. She consulted her _______ to recall the exact date of the client meeting last month. A) memoir B) diary C) historical account D) appointment book

  4. The board requested a formal _______ outlining the financial performance for the last quarter. A) brief B) memoir C) report D) chronicle

  5. To ensure accurate tracking of inventory, the warehouse manager maintains a detailed _______ of all incoming and outgoing goods. A) notebook B) registry C) log D) journal

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to use a form of "diary": "He likes to write down his personal reflections and daily experiences in a book."
  2. Rewrite the sentence to use "diary": "The CEO's daily schedule was completely filled with meetings and calls."
  3. Rewrite the sentence without using "diary" or related words: "The scientist wrote down all her observations carefully in a special book during the experiment."

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. diary
  2. diary
  3. logbook
  4. report

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) journal, C) diary, D) logbook
  2. A) calendar, C) diary, D) planner
  3. B) diary, D) appointment book
  4. A) brief, C) report
  5. B) registry, C) log

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He keeps a diary to record his personal reflections and daily experiences.
  2. The CEO's diary was completely filled with meetings and calls.
  3. The scientist meticulously documented all her observations in a lab notebook during the experiment.

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