Diary vs. Memoir

Diary vs. Memoir — Is There a Difference?
ADVERTISEMENT

Difference Between Diary and Memoir

Diarynoun

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.

Memoirnoun

An autobiography; a book describing the personal experiences of an author.

When I retire, I'm going to write my memoirs.

Diarynoun

A personal organizer or appointment diary.

Memoirnoun

A biography; a book describing the experiences of a subject from personal knowledge of the subject or from sources with personal knowledge of the subject.

James wrote a memoir of his grandmother shortly after she passed away.

Diaryadjective

(obsolete) Lasting for one day.

Memoirnoun

Any form of narrative describing the personal experiences of a writer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Diaryverb

(intransitive) To keep a diary or journal.

Memoirnoun

an account of the author's personal experiences

Diarynoun

a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations

Memoirnoun

an essay on a scientific or scholarly topic

Diarynoun

a personal journal (as a physical object)