Biweekly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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biweekly
[baɪˈwiːkli ]
Definitions
frequency
Happening every two weeks; fortnightly.
Synonyms
every two weeks, fortnightly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| biweekly |
This term can also mean every two weeks in various contexts. It can refer to events, payments, or publications. Clear communication is necessary to avoid confusion with the twice-a-week meaning.
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| fortnightly |
This term is more commonly used in British English and formal or literary contexts to mean every two weeks.
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| every two weeks |
This phrase is used to clearly indicate something occurring once every two weeks, thus avoiding ambiguity. It is commonly used in both professional and everyday conversations.
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Examples of usage
- The magazine is published biweekly.
- The team has biweekly meetings to discuss progress.
frequency
Occurring once every two weeks.
Synonyms
every two weeks, fortnightly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| biweekly |
This term is commonly used in administrative, business or scheduling contexts to describe events that happen once every two weeks.
|
Examples of usage
- The employees are paid biweekly.
- The trash is collected biweekly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Usage
- In some regions, 'biweekly' can mean both every two weeks and twice a week, leading to confusion in scheduling.
- Certain cultural calendars and practices have adapted to a biweekly arrangement, especially in community events and educational settings.
Finance
- In payroll systems, employees might be paid biweekly, which means they receive their salary every two weeks, impacting budgeting and cash flow.
- Biweekly payments can be beneficial for managing finances, as they allow for more regular cash flow compared to monthly payments.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that biweekly meetings can enhance team collaboration, presenting a balanced approach to regular, but not overwhelming, interactions.
- People might feel less stressed and more focused when discussing goals or tasks every two weeks, compared to weekly check-ins.
Literature
- The concept appears in various literary works to emphasize the rhythm of life and routine, illustrating the balance between work and personal time.
- Biweekly publications, like magazines, often create a unique literary voice by providing fresh content at a manageable pace.
Origin of 'biweekly'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'bi-' comes from Latin, meaning 'two' or 'twice', while 'weekly' refers to the frequency of weeks.
- The term has been used in English since the late 19th century, gaining popularity in administrative and workplace settings.
The term 'biweekly' originated from combining 'bi-' meaning 'two' and 'weekly' meaning 'occurring once a week'. It can be confusing due to its ambiguity, as it can be interpreted as either happening twice a week or once every two weeks. Over time, the usage of 'biweekly' to mean 'once every two weeks' has become more common in English language usage.