Daily: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
December 29, 2025

1. Daily (adjective): Occurring or done every day; of or relating to a single day.
2. Daily (adverb): Every day; day by day.
3. Daily (noun): A newspaper published every day except Sundays or holidays.

The word "daily" refers to something that happens every day or is a regular part of the day, such as daily routines or tasks. It can also describe something published or occurring every day, like newspapers or reports. As an adverb, it highlights the frequency with which something is done, such as “exercising daily.” Below, we explore its meaning, usage, pronunciation, synonyms, antonyms, and more.

"Daily" Definition: What Does "Daily" Mean?

The word "daily" is widely used in English to indicate something that happens or is repeated every day. It has multiple definitions that depend on its grammatical usage.

Definition of "Daily": Occurring Every Day

As an adjective, "daily" describes something that happens every day or relates to a single day. It is frequently used for routines, habits, and schedules.

Definition of "Daily": Day by Day

As an adverb, "daily" means something happens each day without exception. It is often used to describe frequency or regularity.

Definition of "Daily": A Newspaper

As a noun, "daily" refers to a newspaper that is published every day, excluding Sundays or certain holidays.

Parts of Speech

"Daily" can function as an adjective, an adverb, or, less commonly, a noun. As an adjective, it describes things that occur or recur every day, such as "daily habits." When used as an adverb, it modifies verbs to explain how often something occurs, like "check the weather daily." It’s also used as a noun to refer to something like a daily publication ("Have you read the daily?"), though this usage is less common.

How to Pronounce "Daily"?

The word "daily" is pronounced as "DAY-lee," where "DAY" rhymes with words like "say" or "way" and "lee" sounds similar to the second syllable of "quickly." The stress falls heavily on the first syllable, making it sound clear and precise. To practice, emphasize “day” while finishing the word lightly with "lee."

Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈdeɪ.li/

Synonyms of "Daily": Other Ways to Say "Daily"

Understanding synonyms for "daily" can help diversify vocabulary and make writing more engaging.

  • Everyday
  • Day-to-day
  • Regular
  • Routine
  • Per diem
  • Habitual
  • Diurnal
  • Recurring
  • Constant
  • Frequent

Antonyms of "Daily": Other Ways to Say "Daily"

Exploring antonyms of "daily" helps understand concepts related to infrequency or irregularity.

  • Occasional
  • Infrequent
  • Intermittent
  • Irregular
  • Rare
  • Uncommon
  • Periodic
  • Sporadic
  • Weekly
  • Monthly

Examples of "Daily" in a Sentence

Seeing "daily" in different sentence contexts can clarify its meaning and usage.

  1. She goes for a daily run every morning.
  2. The newspaper publishes daily updates on world events.
  3. He checks his email daily to stay updated.
  4. The company holds daily meetings to discuss progress.
  5. Drinking enough water is part of her daily health routine.
  6. The store receives fresh fruit and vegetables daily.
  7. The daily newspaper reported a rise in stock prices.
  8. His daily commute takes about 30 minutes.
  9. She records her thoughts in a daily journal.
  10. The doctor advised her to take the medication daily for a month.

Frequency of Use

The word "daily" is commonly used in both written and spoken English. It appears frequently in newspapers, advertisements, and everyday conversations. According to linguistic studies, "daily" has maintained steady usage over the decades, especially in media and business communication.

Variants of "Daily"

"Daily" has a few variations and related forms that adapt to different contexts.

  1. Dailies: The plural form of "daily," often used to refer to multiple daily newspapers.
  2. Day-to-day: A phrase used to describe ongoing, regular occurrences.
  3. Diurnally: A more scientific or formal term for something happening during the day.

Related Terms to "Daily"

Understanding related words can help clarify the meaning and usage of "daily."

  1. Routine
  2. Schedule
  3. Habit
  4. Regularity
  5. Chronological
  6. Timetable
  7. Agenda
  8. Repetition
  9. Custom
  10. Cycle

Etymology: History and Origins of "Daily"

The word "daily" originates from the Old English word dæglic, which means "occurring every day." It evolved from "day," combined with the suffix "-ly," which denotes frequency or manner. The term has been in use since at least the 14th century and has remained relevant in everyday speech and writing.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Daily"

"Daily" has several derivatives and compound words that expand its meaning.

  1. Daily life: The routine of activities and responsibilities people follow each day.
  2. Daily newspaper: A publication issued every day.
  3. Daily grind: A phrase referring to monotonous, repetitive daily work.
  4. Daily basis: A term used to emphasize frequency.

Common Misspellings of "Daily"

"Daily" is often misspelled in various ways. Here are some common errors:

  1. Dailly
  2. Dailey
  3. Dayly
  4. Daley

10 Idioms Similar to "Daily"

Here are ten idioms that convey ideas similar to "daily":

  1. Day in, day out
  2. Every single day
  3. Like clockwork
  4. On a daily basis
  5. By the day
  6. In the course of a day
  7. Same old, same old
  8. A routine affair
  9. Business as usual
  10. Night and day

10 Common Questions About "Daily"

People often ask questions about the meaning and usage of "daily." Here are some of the most common inquiries:

1. What is the basic definition of "daily"?

"Daily" means something that happens every day or is related to a single day. It can function as an adjective, adverb, or noun.

2. Can "daily" be used as a noun?

Yes, as a noun, "daily" refers to a newspaper that is published every day, such as "She reads the daily every morning."

3. What is the difference between "daily" and "everyday"?

"Daily" is used to emphasize regular occurrence, while "everyday" is an adjective that means commonplace or ordinary, as in "everyday clothing."

4. How can "daily" be used in a sentence?

You can say, "I take my vitamins daily" (adverb) or "This is my daily schedule" (adjective).

5. What are common phrases that include "daily"?

Some common phrases include "daily routine," "daily schedule," "on a daily basis," and "daily news."

6. What is the phonetic pronunciation of "daily"?

The phonetic pronunciation is /ˈdeɪ.li/, with stress on the first syllable: "DAY-lee."

7. Is "daily" a formal or informal word?

"Daily" is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in business, media, and casual conversation.

8. What are synonyms of "daily"?

Some synonyms include "everyday," "day-to-day," "regular," and "habitual."

9. What are antonyms of "daily"?

Antonyms include "occasional," "infrequent," "sporadic," and "periodic."

10. Can "daily" be used figuratively?

Yes, "daily" can be used figuratively, such as in "He faces daily struggles," which does not necessarily mean every single day but rather frequently.

Conclusion

The word "daily" refers to something that happens every day, can describe routines, and even functions as a noun for newspapers. It is a commonly used term in English, appearing in casual and professional contexts. Expanding your vocabulary with words like "daily" helps improve communication and understanding in various situations.

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