Word: log (noun, verb)

Associations

"Log" can be a noun or a verb, and it has different meanings depending on the context.

As a noun:

• A "log" is a cut piece of a tree trunk or a large branch.
• Example 1: "We need firewood, so let's gather some logs." Here, it means pieces of wood.
• Example 2: "The ship kept a log of its journey." Here, "log" means a written record or diary.
• Example 3: "The pilot checked the flight log after landing." This means a record of events or data.

As a verb:

• To "log" means to record information or to cut down trees.
• Example 1: "Please log your hours worked in the system." This means to write down or record.
• Example 2: "They log trees in this forest every year." This means to cut trees.
• Example 3: "The computer logs all user activity." This means it automatically records events.

Synonym difference:

• For the noun meaning "record," a synonym is "journal." The difference is that a "log" is often more factual and technical (like a ship's log), while a "journal" can be personal and reflective.
• For the noun meaning "wood," a synonym is "timber," but "timber" usually refers to wood prepared for building, while "log" is raw wood.

Substitution

• Instead of "log" (record), you can say "record," "journal," "register," or "diary," depending on formality and purpose.
• Instead of "log" (wood), you can say "timber," "wood," or "branch," depending on size and use.
• Instead of "log" (verb, record), you can say "record," "note," or "document."
• Instead of "log" (verb, cut trees), you can say "cut down," "harvest," or "fell."

Deconstruction

• The word "log" comes from Old English "logg," meaning a thick piece of wood.
• As a verb, "to log" originally meant to cut trees into logs.
• The meaning of "log" as a record comes from the practice of sailors cutting a log of wood and letting it trail behind the ship to measure speed — later, the term was used for the written record of the ship’s journey.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you kept a "log" or record of something? What was it?
• Have you ever seen or used a "log" as wood for a fire or building?
• How does the meaning of "log" change when used as a noun versus a verb? Can you make sentences for both?