C1noun1K

Log

UK /["/lɒɡ/"]/US /["/lɔːɡ/"]/

Definition

a thick piece of wood that is cut from or has fallen from a tree

In simple words: A piece of wood that has been cut from a tree, or a record of events.

Examples

  • The ship's captain kept a detailed log of the entire voyage.
  • Meteorologists analyze the log of temperature changes over the week.
  • The computer system automatically creates a log of every user activity.
  • She examined the log of server errors to diagnose the problem.
  • He cut a large log of oak to build the cabin's main support.
  • The fire was fueled by a freshly chopped log from the forest.

Usage notes

Use 'log' when referring to tree trunks or records of events. Avoid in casual conversations about smaller sticks or everyday actions unless specifically referencing a log book.

Grammar pattern

log + object

Memory hint

Think of a big tree stump lying down — that's a log!

Collocations

  • cut
  • sawn
  • fallen
  • chop
  • saw
  • split
  • blaze
  • burn
  • crackle
  • cabin
  • house
  • fire
  • detailed
  • daily
  • captain’s
  • keep
  • maintain
  • update
  • book
  • sheet
  • entry

Synonyms

  • timber
  • stump
  • record
  • journal
  • register

Antonyms

  • discharge
  • export
  • erase

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'logged' as a past tense verb.
  • Using 'log' only in relation to trees and not recognizing the meaning of records.
  • Mispronouncing 'log' as 'lag'.