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Fortnight Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fortnight

[ˈfɔːrnaɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

period of time

A fortnight is a period of two weeks.

Synonyms

14 days, biweekly, two weeks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fortnight

This term is primarily used in British English to refer to a period of two weeks. It's commonly used in casual conversation and written English in the UK.

  • I'll be back in a fortnight.
  • The event is scheduled to take place in a fortnight.
two weeks

This is a more general and universally understood way to express a period of 14 days. It's commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • I'm going on vacation for two weeks.
  • The project is due in two weeks.
14 days

This phrase is a straightforward, numerical way to refer to two weeks. It tends to be used in formal, legal, or technical contexts where precision is important.

  • Please allow 14 days for delivery.
  • The quarantine period is 14 days.
biweekly

Biweekly can mean either twice a week or every two weeks, which can lead to confusion. The context usually clarifies the meaning. It is often used in professional or business settings.

  • We have biweekly meetings on Mondays and Thursdays.
  • The newsletter is published biweekly.

Examples of usage

  • I will be going on vacation for a fortnight.
  • She will be staying with us for a fortnight.
Context #2 | Noun

video game

Fortnight is a popular online multiplayer video game developed by Epic Games.

Synonyms

multiplayer game, online game, video game.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fortnight

Use this word when referring to a two-week period, commonly used in British English.

  • They plan to stay here for a fortnight
  • It has been a fortnight since we last met
video game

This is a broad term used to refer to any electronic game where players interact with images on a screen. It can be single-player or multiplayer, online or offline.

  • He spends his weekends playing video games
  • The new video game release has everyone excited
online game

Use this word when talking about a video game that is played over the internet, allowing multiple players from different locations to join.

  • She enjoys playing online games with her friends across the world
  • The popularity of online games has increased significantly over the years
multiplayer game

This word is used to describe a video game that can be played by several people at the same time, either cooperatively or competitively.

  • We spent hours playing a multiplayer game last night
  • The new multiplayer game has received great reviews

Examples of usage

  • My friends and I play Fortnight every weekend.
  • She spends hours playing Fortnight on her computer.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

  • In British culture, it's common to say something will happen in a fortnight, like a two-week waiting period for an event.
  • Traditional farming schedules often revolved around fortnightly patterns, reflecting the importance of time in agricultural practices.
  • Certain customs and holidays are celebrated on a fortnightly basis, contributing to community engagement.

Literature

  • Classic authors often used 'fortnight' in their works, evoking a sense of time that emphasizes character development.
  • Shakespeare utilized time frames like 'fortnight' to convey urgency or anticipation in plays, reflecting social interactions.
  • Contemporary novels sometimes reference a fortnight to create relatable timelines within their plots.

Science

  • Research often uses fortnightly intervals for studies, allowing researchers to track changes effectively over a defined period.
  • Some biological cycles, such as certain plants' growth phases, can be measured on a fortnightly basis, linking time to nature's rhythms.
  • Observational studies in animal behavior sometimes utilize fortnight intervals to seek patterns in seasonal changes.

Technology

  • Software updates are frequently scheduled on a fortnightly basis, ensuring consistent improvements and resolving bugs.
  • Gaming companies may release patches or content updates every fortnight, keeping players engaged with new material.
  • In project management, teams often review progress every fortnight, promoting regular feedback to stay on track.

Origin of 'fortnight'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'fortnight' comes from 'fourteen nights' in Middle English, indicating the period's length.
  • This word has roots in Old English, where 'cniht' meant 'knight,' linking past to the concept of time as a knight's duty.
  • It is still commonly used in British English, but less so in American English, where 'two weeks' is preferred.

The word 'fortnight' originates from Old English, where 'feowertyne niht' meant 'fourteen nights'. It has been in use since the 14th century to refer to a period of two weeks. The term was commonly used in British English and is still in use today.

See also: fort, fortify, fortitude, fortress, fortune, forty.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,968 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.