Annual Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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annual

[หˆรฆnjuษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

every year

Occurring every year; once a year.

Synonyms

annualized, perennial, yearly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
annual

Use 'annual' for describing plants that complete their life cycle in one year.

  • Marigolds are popular annual flowers in many gardens.
  • She plants new annuals each spring to ensure vibrant blooms.
yearly

Use 'yearly' in informal contexts when referring to something that happens every year. It can be used interchangeably with 'annual', but is often less formal.

  • We have a yearly family reunion every summer.
  • The subscription must be renewed on a yearly basis.
annualized

Use 'annualized' when referring to financial data that has been adjusted to show what it would be for a full year, based on data from a shorter period. This is common in finance and accounting.

  • The quarterly profits have been annualized to provide a more complete picture.
  • The annualized interest rate gives a better idea of the yearly financial gain.
perennial

Use 'perennial' when referring to plants that live for more than two years and often bloom every season. It can also describe something that is continually recurring or enduring.

  • Roses are a common example of perennial plants.
  • She is a perennial favorite at this music festival.

Examples of usage

  • The annual meeting of the company is scheduled for next week.
  • She received her annual bonus for excellent performance.
  • We take an annual family vacation to the beach.
Context #2 | Noun

a publication

A book or magazine that is published once a year.

Synonyms

almanac, periodical, yearbook.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
annual

Use this when referring to something that happens once a year.

  • The company holds an annual meeting every March.
  • The annual report is due next week.
yearbook

This is best used for a publication, often by schools, that captures memories, achievements, and events from the past year.

  • Our high school yearbook features photographs of every student.
  • She looked back at her yearbook to reminisce about her high school days.
almanac

Use this for a publication that includes various factual information like weather forecasts, statistics, or dates, typically for a specific year.

  • I consult the farmer's almanac to plan my gardening schedule.
  • The almanac listed all the important astronomical events of the year.
periodical

Refer to this when you talk about a publication that is published at regular intervals, like weekly, monthly, or quarterly.

  • She subscribes to several periodicals to stay updated in the field of science.
  • The library has a vast collection of periodical literature.

Examples of usage

  • I look forward to the release of the annual of photography magazine.
  • She received a subscription to the literary annual as a gift.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate annual festivals, such as New Year, which marks the start of a new year.
  • Annual themes often shape societal events, like the annual Oscars for celebrating film excellence.
  • Various religions observe annual traditions, like Easter in Christianity or Diwali in Hinduism.

Business Practices

  • Annual reports are crucial for companies to inform shareholders of their yearly performance.
  • Many businesses have annual budgets that set financial goals and plans for the year.
  • Annual meetings serve as important gatherings for stakeholders to discuss company strategies.

Science

  • In botany, an 'annual' plant completes its life cycle in one year, sprouting, flowering, and dying in just one season.
  • The term is also used in climatology to refer to phenomena that occur once a year, like annual rainfall measurements.
  • Many studies track annual data trends, helping scientists observe changes over time.

Literature

  • Annual literary awards celebrate outstanding works published over the year, like the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
  • Many authors reflect yearly themes in their writings, exploring significant societal changes captured over twelve months.
  • Best-selling annual anthologies compile stories, poems, or essays, showcasing a year's worth of literary contributions.

Origin of 'annual'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'annus', which means 'year'.
  • In Old French, 'anuel' also referred to something annual, linking it to the Latin roots.
  • First recorded use of the term in English was around the late 14th century.

The word 'annual' comes from the Latin word 'annuฤlis', which means 'of a year'. It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century. The concept of annual events and publications has been a part of human culture for centuries, with societies marking the passage of time through yearly rituals and records. The word 'annual' serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and the importance of marking its passage.


See also: annualized, annually, perennial.

Word Frequency Rank

At #698 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.