-log
suffix
UK/lɒɡ/ or /lɒɡ/US/lɔːɡ/ or /lɑːɡ/ or /lɒɡ/
Derived from Greek ‘logos,’ meaning ‘word,’ ‘speech,’ or ‘discourse.’ In English, -log appears in nouns that denote some form of writing, speaking, or record. Examples include ‘dialog’ (conversation between two or more people), ‘monolog’ (a long speech by one person), ‘catalog’ (a systematic list or record), and ‘travelog’ (a written or spoken account of travel experiences).
Example Sentences
A dialog typically involves at least two participants who share ideas, questions, or insights through conversation.
A monolog can be found in dramatic works when a single character delivers a lengthy speech expressing personal thoughts or emotions.
An updated catalog detailing the latest library acquisitions can help readers find newly arrived books with ease.
In many cases, a travelog contains vivid descriptions of cultural encounters, local cuisines, and scenic vistas that spark wanderlust among readers.
A videolog—or vlog—combines the concept of an audiovisual record with an ongoing personal commentary, popular among content creators on digital platforms.
Modern blogs trace their roots to ‘weblogs,’ originally short online diaries or notes shared with virtual communities across the globe.
For centuries, people have compiled personal journals to preserve a day-to-day log of events, ideas, or reflections, thereby ensuring these records endure for posterity and illuminate daily life in a particular era.
While an epilog typically appears at the end of a literary work to provide closure, an extended prolog may introduce the reader to the setting, characters, and overarching conflict well before the main plot unfolds, thereby laying a substantial foundation for the story that follows.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Denotes discourse, study, or record of something.The suffix “-log” (often seen as “-logue”) is typically attached to words referring to speech, discourse, or a specific type of text/record. Examples include “dialog” or “dialogue” (a conversation between two or more parties), “monolog” or “monologue” (a long speech by one speaker), and “catalog” (a systematic list or record). When you see a term ending in “-log,” it generally suggests the presence of spoken or written discussion, documentation, or narrative. The variation in spelling (-log vs. -logue) often reflects regional preferences (American vs. British English) or historical usage, but the core meaning remains consistent: something to do with speaking, writing, or recording. In practical use, “-log” words are especially prevalent in literary, theatrical, academic, and technical fields where discourse or documentation is essential. “Travelogue,” for instance, describes a written or recorded account of one’s travels. When writing or speaking, choose “-log” words to highlight the idea of communication or compilation of information. Just be mindful of stylistic consistency—decide whether you’ll use the shorter “-log” or the more classical “-logue” form and stick with it throughout your text.
Alternatives
If you want alternatives to the “-log” suffix, you might opt for phrases like “collection,” “record,” “documentation,” or “account.” For instance, instead of “travelogue,” you could say “travel journal” or “travel record.” To describe a two-way conversation, you might replace “dialog” with “discussion” or “conversation.” Meanwhile, for a one-person speech (“monologue”), alternatives include “soliloquy” (in theatrical contexts) or simply “solo speech.” The choice depends on whether you need a more formal, literary, or conversational term. Employing synonyms can help clarify meaning for audiences who may find the “-log” suffix unfamiliar or too academic.
Writing
In formal or academic writing, words ending with “-log” can lend precision and clarity by immediately signaling the idea of speech, text, or systematic recording. For instance, “dialogue” in literary criticism specifically refers to exchanges between characters, while “catalog” connotes an ordered list. Whether you use the American “dialog” or the British “dialogue,” consistency in spelling is key. These terms also appear in niche fields: think of “logfile” in computing, where it’s understood to be a record of events or data. If you’re writing for a mixed or international audience, consider including quick explanations or context to ensure clarity. Remember that some “-log” forms—like “travelogue” or “epilogue”—are well-established in literary usage, so they can heighten your text’s professional or artistic tone when used thoughtfully.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, words such as “dialogue,” “catalog,” and “travelogue” pop up with relative frequency, but it’s easy to swap them for simpler phrases. For example, “We had a good conversation” instead of “We had a lively dialogue.” However, using “-log” words might add a slightly more formal or literary feel, which can be helpful if you want to sound precise or well-read. If you’re describing your trip to friends, calling it a “travelogue” can be playful or quaint—just keep in mind that it might sound a bit fancier than simply “my travel diary.” Ultimately, whether you use these terms depends on the tone and familiarity you want to convey.
Etymology
The suffix “-log” (or “-logue”) traces back to the Greek word “logos,” which means “word,” “speech,” “reason,” or “discourse.” Over time, Latin and French influences shaped how these Greek roots were carried into English, leading to variations in spelling and usage. Classic examples include “dialogue” (from Greek “dialogos,” or ‘across speech’), “monologue” (‘single speech’), and “epilogue” (‘additional speech’). The heart of this suffix remains connected to language, writing, and recording, reflecting how essential communication has always been to human society and literature.