Fortnightly vs. Biweekly — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 17, 2023
Fortnightly refers to an event that occurs every two weeks, while Biweekly can mean twice a week or every two weeks, causing potential ambiguity.
Difference Between Fortnightly and Biweekly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In business contexts, understanding the distinction between Fortnightly and Biweekly is crucial. For instance, a worker might be paid on a Fortnightly basis, meaning every two weeks, but if someone misunderstands Biweekly to mean twice a week, it could lead to significant complications.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
In summary, while both terms can refer to an event occurring every two weeks, Biweekly can also mean twice a week, making "Fortnightly" a clearer choice when you wish to avoid ambiguity.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Both "Fortnightly" and "Biweekly" are terms used to describe the frequency of an event or action. Fortnightly has its roots in Old English, signifying a span of fourteen nights, essentially two weeks. In contrast, Biweekly can have a dual interpretation, either indicating an event that happens twice within a week or once every two weeks.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Fortnightly is less ambiguous as it always means once every two weeks. Biweekly, on the other hand, has been a source of confusion due to its dual meaning. Context often dictates its interpretation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Countries like the US, where both terms are used, may find the ambiguity of "Biweekly" problematic. In places like the UK, "Fortnightly" is more commonly understood and used, offering clarity.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Occurring every two weeks.
Can mean twice a week or every two weeks.
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Sep 17, 2023
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Common Usage
Common in countries like the UK.
Wider usage but can lead to confusion.
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Sep 17, 2023
Application
Often used in business, publishing, etc.
Varied usage including finance, scheduling, etc.
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Sep 17, 2023
Definitions
Fortnightly➦
Taking place once in every span of fourteen days.
The meetings are Fortnightly.
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Sep 17, 2023
Biweekly➦
With a frequency of twice within a single week or once every two weeks.
The Biweekly reports are thorough.
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Sep 17, 2023
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Fortnightly➦
A periodic occurrence in a two-week interval.
The Fortnightly seminars are very informative.
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Sep 17, 2023
Biweekly➦
An event repeated in both of the aforementioned intervals.
The Biweekly classes are essential for quick learning.
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Sep 17, 2023
Fortnightly➦
Occurring or appearing every two weeks.
The magazine is published Fortnightly.
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Sep 17, 2023
Biweekly➦
Occurring twice a week.
The Biweekly meetings are on Mondays and Thursdays.
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Sep 17, 2023
Fortnightly➦
Happening once every fourteen nights.
We hold Fortnightly dinners at our house.
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Sep 17, 2023
Fortnightly➦
Occurring or appearing once in a fortnight; as, a fortnightly meeting of a club; a fortnightly magazine, or other publication.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020
Biweekly➦
Something that is published or released once every two weeks.
The local paper is a biweekly.
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Jul 31, 2020
Biweekly➦
Happening both semi-weekly and Fortnightly.
The Biweekly sessions can be confusing to some.
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Sep 17, 2023
FAQs
How often is Biweekly?
Biweekly can mean either twice a week or every two weeks.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Which term is less ambiguous?
Fortnightly is less ambiguous as it always refers to a two-week interval.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Is Fortnightly the same as Biweekly?
Fortnightly always means every two weeks, while Biweekly can have two meanings.
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Sep 17, 2023
Are there alternatives to using Biweekly?
Yes, "semi-weekly" can be used to indicate twice a week, and "Fortnightly" for every two weeks.
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Sep 17, 2023
How did "Fortnightly" originate?
It originates from Old English, meaning "fourteen nights."
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Sep 17, 2023
In which countries is "Fortnightly" commonly used?
Countries like the UK commonly use "Fortnightly."
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Sep 17, 2023
When is Biweekly commonly misunderstood?
In contexts like pay schedules, where Biweekly could mean getting paid twice a week or every two weeks.
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Sep 17, 2023
Can Biweekly mean the same as "bimonthly"?
Not exactly. While both can imply occurrences within a month, their frequencies can differ.
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Sep 17, 2023
Why does Biweekly have two meanings?
The prefix "bi-" can mean both "two" and "twice."
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Sep 17, 2023
How can I avoid confusion with Biweekly?
Use "semi-weekly" for twice a week and "Fortnightly" for every two weeks to be clear.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
How can context help with the term Biweekly?
Depending on the scenario, if it's implausible to have an event twice a week, it likely means every two weeks.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Can I use "bi-monthly" instead of Biweekly?
"Bi-monthly" can also be ambiguous, meaning every two months or twice a month. Use with caution.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Is "Fortnightly" an old-fashioned term?
While its origins are old, it's still widely used in some regions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Which term should I use for clarity in professional settings?
Using "Fortnightly" for every two weeks and "semi-weekly" for twice a week ensures clarity.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Author Spotlight
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.
