Diary vs. Journal — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
A diary is a daily record of personal experiences and thoughts, while a journal can be a broader record of observations, ideas, or events without a strict daily requirement.
Difference Between Diary and Journal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A diary typically involves a day-by-day account, focusing on the writer's personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts. A journal, while it can be daily, doesn't have to be. It can span various frequencies, from daily to weekly or even less often.
People maintain diaries often for introspection, keeping track of their daily lives, and recording personal milestones. On the other hand, journals might be maintained for several purposes including academic, professional, or even spiritual, encompassing observations, learnings, or specific topics.
While the essence of a diary is its regularity and personal touch, a journal may sometimes be more subject-focused. For example, one could keep a journal specifically about birds, tracking different species and their habits, while a diary would discuss one's daily encounters, which might include mentioning spotting a bird.
Historically, diaries have been seen as personal artifacts, often kept private or shared with close ones. Journals, especially in academic or professional realms, can be intended for broader audiences, like publication in research fields.
It's worth noting that in the digital age, the line between diaries and journals has blurred, especially with the advent of blogging. While blogs can be daily, mirroring diaries, they can also be topic-centric, aligning more with journals.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A daily record of personal experiences and thoughts.
A record of observations, ideas, or events.
Frequency
Typically daily.
Can be daily, weekly, or any frequency.
Focus
Personal experiences and feelings.
Can be topic or subject-focused.
Intended Audience
Usually private or for personal reflection.
Can range from personal to public (like academic journals).
Examples
Anne Frank's Diary
Nature, a scientific Journal
Compare with Definitions
Diary
A daily record of events or transactions.
She wrote in her diary about her trip to Paris.
Journal
A daily record of events or business.
The ship's captain maintained a journal of the voyage.
Diary
A record of personal experiences and reflections.
His diary provides insight into his struggles during that period.
Journal
A record of experiences, ideas, or reflections.
Many writers begin with a journal before drafting their novels.
Diary
A chronicle detailing one's personal life.
The protagonist finds an old diary in the attic, revealing family secrets.
Journal
A personal record of occurrences, experiences, and reflections kept on a regular basis; a diary.
Diary
A book for keeping such a record.
I gifted her a leather-bound diary for her birthday.
Journal
An official record of daily proceedings, as of a legislative body.
Diary
A diary is a record (originally in handwritten format) with discrete entries arranged by date reporting on what has happened over the course of a day or other period. A personal diary may include a person's experiences, thoughts, and/or feelings, excluding comments on current events outside the writer's direct experience.
Journal
(Nautical) A ship's log.
Diary
A book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences.
Journal
A daybook.
Diary
A usually daily written record of personal experiences and observations; a journal.
Journal
A book of original entry in a double-entry system, listing all transactions and indicating the accounts to which they belong.
Diary
A daily record of events or measurable phenomena, usually kept to track patterns over time
Kept a diary of blood sugar levels.
Journal
A newspaper.
Diary
A book or computer file used for keeping such a record.
Journal
A periodical presenting articles on a particular subject
A medical journal.
Diary
A daily log of experiences, especially those of the writer.
They kept separate diaries. His was on paper and her diary was on her computer's hard drive.
Journal
The part of a machine shaft or axle supported by a bearing.
Diary
A personal organizer or appointment diary.
Journal
To write one's observations or thoughts in a journal
Spent all day journaling about the trip.
Diary
(obsolete) Lasting for one day.
Journal
A diary or daily record of a person, organization, vessel etc.; daybook.
Diary
(intransitive) To keep a diary or journal.
Journal
A newspaper or magazine dealing with a particular subject.
The university's biology department subscribes to half a dozen academic journals.
Diary
A register of daily events or transactions; a daily record; a journal; a blank book dated for the record of daily memoranda; as, a diary of the weather; a physician's diary.
Journal
(accounting) A chronological record of payments or receipts.
Diary
Lasting for one day; as, a diary fever.
Journal
(accounting) A general journal.
Diary
A daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
Journal
(computing) A chronological record of changes made to a database or other system; along with a backup or image copy that allows recovery after a failure or reinstatement to a previous time; a log.
Diary
A personal journal (as a physical object)
Journal
(engineering) The part of a shaft or axle that rests on bearings.
Diary
An account of day-to-day occurrences.
Every evening, she noted down her tasks in her diary.
Journal
To archive or record something.
Journal
To scrapbook.
Journal
To insert (a shaft, etc.) in a journal bearing.
Journal
(obsolete) Daily.
Journal
Daily; diurnal.
Whiles from their journal labors they did rest.
Journal
A diary; an account of daily transactions and events.
Journal
That which has occurred in a day; a day's work or travel; a day's journey.
Journal
That portion of a rotating piece, as a shaft, axle, spindle, etc., which turns in a bearing or box. See Illust. of Axle box.
Journal
A daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
Journal
A periodical dedicated to a particular subject;
He reads the medical journals
Journal
A ledger in which transactions have been recorded as they occurred
Journal
A record book as a physical object
Journal
The part of the axle contained by a bearing
Journal
A record kept for personal reflection or note-taking.
He kept a journal during his travels around the world.
Journal
A periodical or magazine, especially one on scholarly or specialized topics.
The scientist published her findings in a reputable journal.
Journal
A ledger or book in which transactions are noted.
In accounting, the journal is essential for recording financial events.
Common Curiosities
Do people usually share their diaries?
Diaries are often private, but some choose to share them. Journals, especially professional ones, might be shared or published.
Are all journals meant for academic purposes?
No, while academic journals are common, journals can also be personal, professional, or topic-focused.
Is a travel log a diary or journal?
It can be both. If daily personal experiences are recorded, it's a diary. If it focuses on places and observations, it's a journal.
Is a diary always daily?
Typically, a diary is daily, but it can vary depending on the individual's preference. A journal doesn't have a strict daily requirement.
Can a diary be digital?
Yes, both diaries and journals can be maintained digitally, like in blogs or apps.
Which is more formal, a diary or journal?
While both can be informal, journals, especially academic or professional ones, often have a more formal tone than diaries.
Can a journal be topic-specific?
Yes, a journal can be focused on a specific topic or subject, while a diary usually revolves around personal experiences.
Are blogs modern diaries or journals?
Blogs can function as both. They can be daily accounts like diaries or topic-centric like journals.
How do journals differ in accounting and personal use?
In accounting, a journal records financial transactions. In personal use, it records experiences or reflections, unlike the day-focused diary.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
