datebook
UK[ˈdeɪtbʊk]US[ˈdeɪtbʊk]
n
A small book with spaces for each day of the year, used for writing down appointments and things to be done.
Morpheme Breakdown
date
book
date
day
book
bound volume
Etymology
The word 'datebook' is a modern English compound, transparently combining two native elements. 'Date' traces back to the Latin phrase data Romae ("given at Rome") used on official documents, which evolved to signify the specific day an event occurs or is recorded. 'Book' originates from the Proto-Germanic bōks, referring to a beechwood tablet used for writing, and later to any bound collection of pages. The compound logically fuses these concepts: a 'book' specifically designed for recording and organizing information by 'date' or day, reflecting its function as a personal scheduling tool.
Analysis
Structure: date (day) + book (bound volume)
- date: From Latin data, meaning "given," used in dating documents. In this context, it refers to a specific day.
- book: From Old English bōc, meaning "a written document, codex, or bound volume."
Examples
She meticulously noted every meeting in her leather-bound datebook.
I forgot to check my datebook and missed the dentist appointment.
A digital calendar has largely replaced the traditional paper datebook for many people.