Finesentence logo

Biannually: meaning, definitions and examples

📅
Add to dictionary

biannually

 

[ baɪˈæn.ju.ə.li ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

frequency of occurrence

Biannually refers to something that occurs twice a year. This term is often used in the context of events, reports, or publications that are scheduled to happen every six months. While it may seem similar to 'biennial,' which means every two years, it specifically emphasizes a semi-annual occurrence. Understanding this term is crucial for planning and scheduling purposes, especially in business and academic settings.

Synonyms

semiannually, twice a year

Examples of usage

  • The magazine is published biannually.
  • We hold biannual meetings to discuss progress.
  • The organization conducts biannual surveys for feedback.

Translations

Translations of the word "biannually" in other languages:

🇵🇹 semestral

🇮🇳 प्रतिवर्ष दो बार

🇩🇪 halbjährlich

🇮🇩 setiap enam bulan

🇺🇦 два рази на рік

🇵🇱 półroczny

🇯🇵 年に二回

🇫🇷 biannuel

🇪🇸 semestral

🇹🇷 yarı yıllık

🇰🇷 연 2회

🇸🇦 نصف سنوي

🇨🇿 půlroční

🇸🇰 polročný

🇨🇳 每年两次

🇸🇮 polletno

🇮🇸 tvisvarar

🇰🇿 жарты жылдық

🇬🇪 ნახევარწლიანი

🇦🇿 yarımillik

🇲🇽 semestral

Etymology

The term 'biannually' comes from the prefix 'bi-', meaning 'twice' or 'two', and the root word 'annual', which is derived from the Latin 'annus', meaning 'year'. 'Biannual' has been used in English since the 19th century to describe events or actions that occur twice within a calendar year. Confusion often arises between 'biannual' and 'biennial', with the latter referring to an occurrence every two years. This semantic distinction emphasizes the importance of clarity in scheduling and communication within both formal and informal contexts. Over time, 'biannually' has become a standard term in business, education, and various industries to describe recurring activities, thereby reflecting its significance in organizational practices.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,889, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.