biannual, biennial

biannual, biennial
A distinction exists between biannual ("twice a year," "semiannual") and biennial ("once in two years" or "lasting two years"). Fix in mind that bimonthly means "every two months" and that its use as "twice a month," or "semimonthly," is nonstandard. Biweekly means "once in two weeks." If you remain in doubt, it's always safe to say, somewhat wordily,"twice a month" and "twice a week." See also bimonthly.

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

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  • biannual / biennial —    Biannual is twice in one year: My trip to the dentist is a biannual event.    Biennial means every two years : These flowers are biennial; they bloom every two years …   Confused words

  • biannual / biennial —    Biannual is twice in one year: My trip to the dentist is a biannual event.    Biennial means every two years : These flowers are biennial; they bloom every two years …   Confused words

  • biannual — biannual, biennial, semiannual, though not synonymous, are frequently confused. The chief source of confusion is biannual, which is used to mean either twice a year or every two years. If no clue to its meaning is given by the text, the reader… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • biennial — bi‧en‧ni‧al [baɪˈeniəl] adjective happening once every two years: • the biennial report published by the BDDA compare biannual * * * biennial UK US /baɪˈeniəl/ adjective ► happening once every two years: »a biennial conference → …   Financial and business terms

  • biannual — See biannual, biennial …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • biennial — See biannual, biennial …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • biannual — bi‧an‧nu‧al [baɪˈænjuəl] adjective happening twice each year: • Wildlife Link s biannual liaison meeting with the Forestry Committee compare biennial * * * biannual UK US /baɪˈænjuəl/ adjective ► happening twice a year: »The council issues… …   Financial and business terms

  • biannual — (19c) normally means ‘twice a year’, as distinct from biennial (17c), which means ‘every two years’ or ‘lasting two years’. Since usage is not consistent on this point, it is sometimes better to use alternatives such as half yearly or twice… …   Modern English usage

  • biannual —  , biennial  Biannual means twice a year; biennial means every two years …   Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors

  • biennial — ► ADJECTIVE 1) taking place every other year. Compare with BIANNUAL(Cf. ↑biannually). 2) (of a plant) taking two years to grow from seed to fruition and die. ► NOUN 1) a biennial plant. 2) an event celebrated or taking place every two years …   English terms dictionary

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