Periodically: meaning, definitions and examples

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periodically

 

[ˌpɪər.iˈɑː.dɪ.kli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

regularly

At regular intervals of time; from time to time.

Synonyms

intermittently, regularly, sporadically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
periodically

Used to describe something that happens at regular intervals or from time to time.

  • She checks her email periodically throughout the day.
  • The company holds meetings periodically to review progress.
regularly

Implies something that happens with a consistent, predictable frequency.

  • She exercises regularly to stay healthy.
  • Regularly updating your passwords is a good security practice.
intermittently

Describes something that happens at irregular intervals, not consistently.

  • The internet connection worked intermittently throughout the storm.
  • He kept coughing intermittently during the lecture.
sporadically

Refers to something that happens infrequently and irregularly, often unpredictably.

  • He only visits his hometown sporadically.
  • The weather forecasts have been accurate only sporadically.

Examples of usage

  • He checked his phone periodically throughout the day.
  • The company conducts performance reviews periodically to assess employee progress.
Context #2 | Adverb

science

In a periodic manner; following a regular pattern.

Synonyms

consistently, regularly, systematically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
periodically

Use this when something occurs at irregular intervals or from time to time.

  • He checks his emails periodically throughout the day
regularly

Ideal for describing events that happen at fixed intervals or schedules.

  • He exercises regularly every morning
systematically

Best used when something is done according to a method or plan, often in an organized and efficient way.

  • The team systematically reviewed all the data before making a decision
consistently

This is suitable for situations where actions or behaviors happen in a steady and uniform manner.

  • She consistently arrives at work early

Examples of usage

  • The element exhibits properties that change periodically with its atomic number.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'periodos', meaning 'a going round', showing how things cycle back.
  • It was first used in English in the mid-19th century, related to regular events or occurrences.
  • Many scientific terms use ‘periodic’ to describe something that happens in cycles, like the phases of the moon.

Science

  • In chemistry, elements are arranged in the periodic table based on similar properties, highlighting their periodic behaviors.
  • The concept of radioactivity involves periodic decay, where unstable atoms change into stable ones at regular intervals.
  • In physics, periodic motion is when objects move in a repeated cycle, like a swinging pendulum.

Culture

  • Artists often create periodic events, such as seasonal festivals, which celebrate times of the year.
  • In music, periodically reoccurring themes make songs memorable, creating familiar patterns for listeners.
  • Television shows often have periodic seasons, releasing new episodes at regular intervals each year.

Psychology

  • People often use periodic routines, like studying or exercising, to create structure and improve productivity.
  • Mood changes can occur periodically too, influenced by seasons or significant life events.
  • The concept of periodic reinforcement in psychology relates to how behaviors are strengthened through regular rewards.

Literature

  • Writers may use periodic sentences to create suspense, holding off the main point until the end of the sentence.
  • Certain themes appear periodically in literature, reflecting timeless human experiences or emotions.
  • Books sometimes release periodic sequels, engaging readers over time with familiar characters and plots.

Translations

Translations of the word "periodically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 periodicamente

🇮🇳 समय-समय पर

🇩🇪 periodisch

🇮🇩 secara berkala

🇺🇦 періодично

🇵🇱 okresowo

🇯🇵 定期的に

🇫🇷 périodiquement

🇪🇸 periódicamente

🇹🇷 periyodik olarak

🇰🇷 주기적으로

🇸🇦 دورياً

🇨🇿 pravidelně

🇸🇰 pravidelne

🇨🇳 定期地

🇸🇮 periodično

🇮🇸 reglulega

🇰🇿 мерзімді түрде

🇬🇪 პერიოდულად

🇦🇿 müntəzəm olaraq

🇲🇽 periódicamente

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,318 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.