diary vs. journal : two differences
The terms diary and journal are often used interchangeably. However, when we started the journaling project that became Fine Print Journaling, that’s what we called it: journaling. I don’t even think the word diary crossed either my mind or Cindy’s mind when developing our ideas. It wasn’t until we were brainstorming topics for articles that we began asking ourselves what exactly the difference is between a journal and a diary. This post will attempt to answer that question for you, and for us!
- Definition
First, let’s look at the exact definitions, found from a simple Google search.
As you can see, both terms are listed as synonyms for the other. The difference, however, comes from the exact language used in each definition. A journal is “a daily record of news and events of a personal nature,” while a diary is “a book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences.” What I think is interesting is the use of the word “personal” in the definition of journal and the absence of it in the definition of diary. This is not to say that diaries cannot be personal; they certainly can. I think that the use of the word “personal” implies that journals are more than simply documenting what you did on a certain day or what happened in the world on that day. There’s more personal response, more emotion, and more self-assurance in a journal than in a diary.
- Structure
Diaries tend to be written each day, chronicling the events that occurred, whether personal or global. They often have the date pre-printed on the page. When I envision a diary, I think of the diary from the movie Bridget Jones’ Diary.
There’s enough room to detail the main events of the day, and some room for personal response. Journals, on the other hand, have less structure. There isn’t pressure to write every day. There’s more freedom in subject matter and they tend to be more topical than a diary. You could have a travel journal, a nutrition journal, a grief journal, an art journal, or whatever kind of journal you want. Diaries, however, are specific to what happened on that day and, if you choose and if there is room, how you felt about it.
While there are technically differences between diaries and journals, they are few and slim. Either term can work with what we are doing here on Fine Print Journaling. It’s up to you how you define your actions. If you want to say that you’re keeping a diary, great! If you would rather say that you’re keeping a journal, awesome! Do what makes you feel good. You can use our prompts in a diary to document how you’re feeling on a specific day or you can use them to focus your entire journal on a topic. Or, you can toss out both definitions and do whatever the heck you want. No matter what you call that book you write in, know that it is yours and that we are here to provide you with tools and tips!
Do you use the term diary or journal? Can you think of any other differences between the two? Let us know in the comments!
xxoo
R