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Biannual: meaning, definitions and examples

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biannual

 

[ baɪˈæn.ju.əl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

occurrence frequency

Biannual refers to something that occurs twice a year. It is often used to describe events or publications, such as meetings, reports, or magazines that are issued or take place every six months.

Synonyms

half-yearly, semiannual, twice a year

Examples of usage

  • The magazine is published biannually.
  • We hold biannual meetings to discuss progress.
  • The festival occurs biannually in the summer and winter.

Translations

Translations of the word "biannual" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bi-anual

🇮🇳 अर्धवार्षिक

🇩🇪 halbjährlich

🇮🇩 setengah tahunan

🇺🇦 піврічний

🇵🇱 półroczny

🇯🇵 年二回

🇫🇷 biannuel

🇪🇸 bi-anual

🇹🇷 yarı yıllık

🇰🇷 반년마다

🇸🇦 نصف سنوي

🇨🇿 půlroční

🇸🇰 polročný

🇨🇳 半年一次

🇸🇮 polletni

🇮🇸 hálfsárs

🇰🇿 жарты жылдық

🇬🇪 ნახევარი წლიური

🇦🇿 yarım illik

🇲🇽 bi-anual

Word origin

The word 'biannual' is derived from the prefix 'bi-', meaning 'twice', combined with the Latin word 'annus', meaning 'year'. The term has its roots in the early 19th century, solidifying its use in English as a way to describe events or occurrences that happen two times within a calendar year. While the prefix 'bi-' can sometimes be confused with 'biennial', which indicates something happening once every two years, 'biannual' specifically clarifies the frequency as twice annually. This distinction has led to some ambiguity in public understanding; therefore, careful context is essential in using the term correctly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,609 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.