Annually vs. Annual — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
"Annually" means once every year, an adverb describing when an action occurs. "Annual" is an adjective describing something that happens once a year.
Difference Between Annually and Annual
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Annually refers to the frequency with which an event or an action takes place, implying it occurs once per year. For example, a company might report its earnings annually. This adverb is specific to timing and duration, providing a clear indication of how often something happens within a yearly cycle.
Annual, on the other hand, is an adjective that describes something that happens once every year or something that pertains to a year's time. It characterizes events, publications, meetings, and other items or occurrences that are meant to take place or be valid for one year. An annual event, like a festival, is understood to recur at a yearly interval.
In the context of finance, annually is often used to describe a rate of occurrence over a year, such as an interest rate or payment schedule. It can also pertain to habits or rituals that are observed at a year's interval, emphasizing the regularity and periodicity of the action.
Annual is used to qualify nouns, indicating that the event or item is related to a year’s span. Annual reports, annual budgets, and annual celebrations are a few examples where the adjective is used to modify and clarify the noun that follows it, anchoring it within a yearly timeframe.
While annually is used adverbially to answer "when" an action takes place, annual is used adjectivally to answer "what kind" of event or item is being discussed. One is concerned with the frequency of time, the other with the nature or type of occurrence.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
Function
Describes when something happens.
Describes something that happens yearly.
Usage in a Sentence
Used to modify verbs.
Used to modify nouns.
Example
"The company reports earnings annually."
"The company holds an annual meeting."
Frequency
Indicates the regularity of an event.
Describes the yearly occurrence of an event.
Compare with Definitions
Annually
Once each year, typically at the same time.
Employees receive a performance evaluation annually.
Annual
A yearly event or item.
The annual gala is the highlight of our fundraising efforts.
Annually
Each year, as a routine.
The lease on the equipment is renewed annually.
Annual
For the duration of a year.
This planner is designed for your annual scheduling needs.
Annually
Every year, without exception.
The organization conducts a review annually.
Annual
Occurring once every year.
The annual conference attracts experts from around the world.
Annually
At yearly intervals, regularly.
They travel to the coast annually for their anniversary.
Annual
Recurring, done, or performed every year; yearly
An annual medical examination.
Annually
In terms of yearly occurrence.
Annually, the company assesses its environmental impact.
Annual
Of, relating to, or determined by a year
An annual income.
Annually
Once a year; every year
Sales are increasing by about 17% annually
The prize is awarded annually
Annual
(Botany) Living or growing for only one year or season.
Annually
Recurring, done, or performed every year; yearly
An annual medical examination.
Annual
A periodical published yearly; a yearbook.
Annually
Of, relating to, or determined by a year
An annual income.
Annual
(Botany) A plant that completes its entire life cycle in a single growing season.
Annually
(Botany) Living or growing for only one year or season.
Annual
Happening once every year.
An annual general meeting;
An annual publication
Annually
A periodical published yearly; a yearbook.
Annual
Of, for, or relating to a whole year, often as a recurring cycle; determined or reckoned by the year; accumulating in the course of a year; performed, executed, or completed over the course of a year. See also circannual.
An annual salary;
Average annual profits;
The annual course of the sun
Annually
(Botany) A plant that completes its entire life cycle in a single growing season.
Annual
Having a life cycle that is completed in only one growing season; e.g. beans, corn, marigold. See Annual plant in Wikipedia. Compare biennial, perennial.
Annually
Once every year without fail, yearly
The Sunshine Festival is held annually, at the end of May.
Annual
(entomology) Living or lasting just one season or year, as certain insects or insect colonies.
Annually
Yearly; year by year.
Annual
An annual publication; a book, periodical, journal, report, comic book, yearbook, etc., which is published serially once a year, which may or may not be in addition to regular weekly or monthly publication.
I read the magazine, but I usually don't purchase the annuals.
Annually
Without missing a year;
They travel to China annually
Annual
(botany) An annual plant; a plant with a life span of just one growing season; a plant which naturally germinates, flowers and dies in one year. Compare biennial, perennial.
I can't wait to plant my annuals in the spring.
Annually
By the year; every year (usually with reference to a sum of money paid or received);
He earned $100,000 per annum
We issue six volumes per annum
Annual
A medical checkup taking place once a year.
Annual
(theater) A pantomime taking place once a year.
Annual
Of or pertaining to a year; returning every year; coming or happening once in the year; yearly.
The annual overflowing of the river [Nile].
Annual
Performed or accomplished in a year; reckoned by the year; as, the annual motion of the earth.
A thousand pound a year, annual support.
Annual
Lasting or continuing only one year or one growing season; requiring to be renewed every year; as, an annual plant; annual tickets.
Annual
A thing happening or returning yearly; esp. a literary work published once a year.
Annual
Anything, especially a plant, that lasts but one year or season; an annual plant.
Oaths . . . in some sense almost annuals; . . . and I myself can remember about forty different sets.
Annual
A Mass for a deceased person or for some special object, said daily for a year or on the anniversary day.
Annual
A plant that completes its entire life cycle within the space of a year
Annual
A reference book that is published regularly once every year
Annual
Occurring or payable every year;
An annual trip to Paris
Yearly medical examinations
Annual (or yearly) income
Annual
Completing its life cycle within a year;
A border of annual flowering plants
The common buttercup is a popular perennial plant
Annual
Pertaining to a period of one year.
Your annual subscription to the magazine will expire next month.
Annual
Relating to an anniversary or each successive year.
We celebrate our town's history with an annual fair.
Common Curiosities
Are "annual" events guaranteed to happen?
"Annual" events are scheduled to happen every year but are not guaranteed.
Does "annually" mean more than once a year?
No, "annually" means once every year.
Can "annual" be used to describe something lasting a year?
Yes, "annual" can describe something with a duration of one year.
Is "annually" an adjective?
No, "annually" is an adverb describing when something occurs.
Can "annually" be used in financial reports?
Yes, "annually" is often used to indicate yearly financial reporting.
Can "annual" modify a person's age?
No, "annual" does not typically modify age.
Can "annual" describe a person?
Typically no, "annual" is not used to describe people.
Is an "annual" plant the same as a "perennial"?
No, an "annual" plant lives for one season, while a "perennial" lives for multiple years.
Do "annually" and "yearly" have the same meaning?
Yes, they are synonyms.
Are "annual" reports only released once a year?
Yes, by definition, "annual" reports are released once per year.
Can "annually" apply to fiscal years?
Yes, "annually" can refer to events in fiscal years as well.
Does "annually" indicate the same date each year?
Not necessarily the same date, but it does indicate the same time frame each year.
Does "annual" only relate to calendar years?
No, "annual" can relate to any year-long period.
Are "annual" memberships exactly one year long?
Typically, yes, "annual" memberships last for one year.
Can "annually" be used to express traditions?
Yes, it can describe traditions observed once every year.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
