Ask Difference

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

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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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
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Origin

Derived from "fourteen nights".
From the prefix "bi-" meaning two.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Ambiguity

Unambiguous; always means every two weeks.
Potentially ambiguous.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Common Usage

Common in countries like the UK.
Wider usage but can lead to confusion.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Application

Often used in business, publishing, etc.
Varied usage including finance, scheduling, etc.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Definitions

Fortnightly

Taking place once in every span of fourteen days.
The meetings are Fortnightly.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Biweekly

With a frequency of twice within a single week or once every two weeks.
The Biweekly reports are thorough.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
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Fortnightly

A periodic occurrence in a two-week interval.
The Fortnightly seminars are very informative.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Biweekly

Taking place every two weeks.
She receives a Biweekly paycheck.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Fortnightly

Every other week.
The Fortnightly updates keep us informed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Biweekly

An event repeated in both of the aforementioned intervals.
The Biweekly classes are essential for quick learning.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Fortnightly

Occurring or appearing every two weeks.
The magazine is published Fortnightly.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Biweekly

Occurring twice a week.
The Biweekly meetings are on Mondays and Thursdays.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Fortnightly

Happening once every fourteen nights.
We hold Fortnightly dinners at our house.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Biweekly

Happening every two weeks.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Fortnightly

Happening or appearing once in or every two weeks.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Happening twice a week; semiweekly.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Fortnightly

Once in a fortnight.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

A publication issued every two weeks.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Fortnightly

A publication issued once every two weeks.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Every two weeks.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Fortnightly

A publication issued fortnightly (once every two weeks).
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Twice a week; semiweekly. See Usage Note at bi-1.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Fortnightly

Occurring once in a fortnight; once every two weeks
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Occurring once every two weeks; fortnightly.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Fortnightly

Once in a fortnight; once every two weeks
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Occurring twice a week (but see the Usage notes).
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

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

Every two weeks.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Fortnightly

Occurring every two weeks
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Twice a week (but see the Usage notes).
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Fortnightly

Every two weeks;
He visited his cousins fortnightly
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Something that is published or released once every two weeks.
The local paper is a biweekly.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Occurring or appearing once every two weeks; fortnightly.
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

A periodical that is published biweekly
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Occurring twice a week
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Occurring every two weeks
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Twice a week;
He called home semiweekly
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Every two weeks;
He visited his cousins fortnightly
Tayyaba Rehman
Jul 31, 2020

Biweekly

Happening both semi-weekly and Fortnightly.
The Biweekly sessions can be confusing to some.
Tayyaba Rehman
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

What does Fortnightly mean?

Fortnightly means occurring every two weeks.
Tayyaba Rehman
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

How did "Fortnightly" originate?

It originates from Old English, meaning "fourteen nights."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

In which countries is "Fortnightly" commonly used?

Countries like the UK commonly use "Fortnightly."
Tayyaba Rehman
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Can Biweekly mean the same as "bimonthly"?

Not exactly. While both can imply occurrences within a month, their frequencies can differ.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 17, 2023

Why does Biweekly have two meanings?

The prefix "bi-" can mean both "two" and "twice."
Tayyaba Rehman
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 Rehman
Tayyaba 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.

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