Weekly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📅
Add to dictionary

weekly

[ˈwiːkli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

schedule

Happening once a week; every week.

Synonyms

every week, once a week, per week.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
weekly

Included twice - see previous entry.

every week

This phrase is effective when emphasizing the consistent and regular nature of an activity or event. It is often used in conversations to stress reliability or repetition.

  • She calls her parents every week.
  • The class occurs every week on Wednesdays.
once a week

This term is specific and denotes that an event or action happens exactly one time during each week. It is often used to provide clarity on frequency, especially in schedules or instructions.

  • I only go shopping once a week.
  • The garbage is collected once a week.
per week

This phrase is typically used in more formal or statistical contexts, often related to rates, quantities, or measurements. It can be common in business, academic, or technical discussions.

  • The company produces 500 units per week.
  • He works 40 hours per week.

Examples of usage

  • It's our weekly meeting on Mondays.
  • She publishes a weekly newsletter for her subscribers.
Context #2 | Adverb

frequency

Once a week; every week.

Synonyms

every week, once a week, per week.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
weekly

Describes something related to or issued once a week.

  • She writes for a weekly magazine.
  • They get a weekly allowance.
every week

Used to emphasize that something occurs each week without fail.

  • She goes grocery shopping every week.
  • I call my parents every week.
once a week

Highlights that something happens one time during the week.

  • I exercise once a week on Sundays.
  • They dine out once a week.
per week

Often used in formal or statistical contexts to describe the frequency of an activity.

  • He works 40 hours per week.
  • The project requires 5 hours of effort per week.

Examples of usage

  • We go grocery shopping weekly.
  • She visits her grandmother weekly.
Context #3 | Noun

publication

A magazine or newspaper published once a week.

Synonyms

magazine, newspaper, periodical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
weekly

Used to describe something that happens or is published every week.

  • I have a weekly meeting with my manager on Mondays
  • We receive a weekly newsletter from the school
periodical

A broad term for any publication that is issued at regular intervals, such as magazines, journals, or newsletters. Often used in academic or professional contexts.

  • She regularly publishes her research in well-known periodicals
  • The library subscribes to various academic periodicals
magazine

Refers to a publication, typically glossy, that is issued periodically and contains various articles, stories, and advertisements. Often focuses on specific interests such as fashion, sports, or technology.

  • She bought a fashion magazine to read on the train
  • The tech magazine features the latest gadgets
newspaper

A daily or weekly publication that contains news, articles, advertisements, and other items of public interest. Primarily focused on providing news and information about current events.

  • He reads the morning newspaper with his coffee
  • The local newspaper covered the community event in detail

Examples of usage

  • I pick up the weekly on my way to work.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have weekly rituals or ceremonies, like the Jewish Sabbath or Sunday services in Christianity.
  • Weekly publications, such as magazines and newspapers, play a crucial role in keeping communities informed.
  • In many countries, Monday is often seen as the start of the week, setting a routine for work or school.

Psychology

  • Regular weekly routines can help in managing stress and enhancing mental well-being.
  • Studies show that people who engage in weekly planning feel more organized and less overwhelmed.
  • Participating in weekly social activities fosters stronger relationships and community bonds.

Science

  • The concept of a week arose from lunar cycles, based on observations of the moon's phases every 29.5 days.
  • Biological rhythms in humans, like sleep patterns, often align with a weekly cycle, affecting mood and energy.
  • Research suggests that a weekly day of rest can improve productivity and creativity in work or study.

Literature

  • Writers often use a weekly schedule to maintain consistency in their work, creating better productivity.
  • Many popular novels unfold over a week, showcasing characters' growth and experiences within this timeframe.
  • Classic literature frequently reflects on the themes of time, with weeks representing periods of change or development.

Origin of 'weekly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'wice', meaning a cycle of seven days.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'wikō', which referred to a period or division of time.
  • The use of the word became common in English literature around the 14th century.

The word 'weekly' originated from the Old English word 'wucly', which meant 'happening once a week.' It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe events, activities, or publications that occur or are issued once a week. The concept of a weekly schedule or publication has been a common practice in many cultures throughout history, providing a regular rhythm to people's lives.


See also: biweekly, week, weekend.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,138, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.