Is a notebook the same as a diary?

No. A diary is usually for personal events and feelings. A notebook is for any notes, ideas, or school work.

Is notebook a common word for a laptop?

Not usually in everyday speech. Most people say laptop, but notebook still appears in some product names and older usage.

What is the difference between a notebook and a pad?

A notebook usually has many pages bound together. A pad is often a smaller stack of loose or glued sheets.

← Dictionary

notebook

/ˈnəʊt.bʊk/

IELTSAcademic

noun

1.
A book of blank or ruled pages for writing notes, lists, or ideas.
- Please write the homework in your notebook.
- I keep a small notebook in my bag.
- She filled her notebook with meeting notes.
2.
A small computer that you can carry easily. This use is less common than laptop in modern English.
- My notebook battery lasts all day.
- He bought a new notebook for college.
- The notebook is light and easy to carry.

Adinary Nuance

Notebook is a good general word for a writing pad, but it is not the same as a diary or journal. A diary is usually personal and dated, while a notebook is for any kind of notes. For the computer meaning, many speakers now prefer laptop, so notebook can sound a little older or more technical.

In other languages

Vietnamese: quyển vở
Spanish: cuaderno
Chinese: 笔记本
Japanese: ノート
Korean: 노트

Etymology

Notebook is from note + book. It has been used in English since the 16th century for a book of notes.

Common phrases

spiral notebooknotebook pagekeep a notebooknotebook computer

Synonyms

pad exercise book journal logbook

Related words

pen paper diary laptop

Frequently asked questions

Is a notebook the same as a diary?: No. A diary is usually for personal events and feelings. A notebook is for any notes, ideas, or school work.
Is notebook a common word for a laptop?: Not usually in everyday speech. Most people say laptop, but notebook still appears in some product names and older usage.
What is the difference between a notebook and a pad?: A notebook usually has many pages bound together. A pad is often a smaller stack of loose or glued sheets.