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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Occurring every two weeks.
Can mean twice a week or every two weeks.
Origin
Derived from "fourteen nights".
From the prefix "bi-" meaning two.
Ambiguity
Unambiguous; always means every two weeks.
Potentially ambiguous.
Common Usage
Common in countries like the UK.
Wider usage but can lead to confusion.
Application
Often used in business, publishing, etc.
Varied usage including finance, scheduling, etc.
Compare with Definitions
Fortnightly
Taking place once in every span of fourteen days.
The meetings are Fortnightly.
Biweekly
With a frequency of twice within a single week or once every two weeks.
The Biweekly reports are thorough.
Fortnightly
A periodic occurrence in a two-week interval.
The Fortnightly seminars are very informative.
Biweekly
Taking place every two weeks.
She receives a Biweekly paycheck.
Fortnightly
Every other week.
The Fortnightly updates keep us informed.
Biweekly
An event repeated in both of the aforementioned intervals.
The Biweekly classes are essential for quick learning.
Fortnightly
Occurring or appearing every two weeks.
The magazine is published Fortnightly.
Biweekly
Occurring twice a week.
The Biweekly meetings are on Mondays and Thursdays.
Fortnightly
Happening once every fourteen nights.
We hold Fortnightly dinners at our house.
Biweekly
Happening every two weeks.
Fortnightly
Happening or appearing once in or every two weeks.
Biweekly
Happening twice a week; semiweekly.
Fortnightly
Once in a fortnight.
Biweekly
A publication issued every two weeks.
Fortnightly
A publication issued once every two weeks.
Biweekly
Every two weeks.
Fortnightly
A publication issued fortnightly (once every two weeks).
Biweekly
Twice a week; semiweekly. See Usage Note at bi-1.
Fortnightly
Occurring once in a fortnight; once every two weeks
Biweekly
Occurring once every two weeks; fortnightly.
Fortnightly
Once in a fortnight; once every two weeks
Biweekly
Occurring twice a week (but see the Usage notes).
Fortnightly
Occurring or appearing once in a fortnight; as, a fortnightly meeting of a club; a fortnightly magazine, or other publication.
Biweekly
Every two weeks.
Fortnightly
Occurring every two weeks
Biweekly
Twice a week (but see the Usage notes).
Fortnightly
Every two weeks;
He visited his cousins fortnightly
Biweekly
Something that is published or released once every two weeks.
The local paper is a biweekly.
Biweekly
Occurring or appearing once every two weeks; fortnightly.
Biweekly
A periodical that is published biweekly
Biweekly
Occurring twice a week
Biweekly
Occurring every two weeks
Biweekly
Twice a week;
He called home semiweekly
Biweekly
Every two weeks;
He visited his cousins fortnightly
Biweekly
Happening both semi-weekly and Fortnightly.
The Biweekly sessions can be confusing to some.
Common Curiosities
How often is Biweekly?
Biweekly can mean either twice a week or every two weeks.
Which term is less ambiguous?
Fortnightly is less ambiguous as it always refers to a two-week interval.
Is Fortnightly the same as Biweekly?
Fortnightly always means every two weeks, while Biweekly can have two meanings.
What does Fortnightly mean?
Fortnightly means occurring every two weeks.
Are there alternatives to using Biweekly?
Yes, "semi-weekly" can be used to indicate twice a week, and "Fortnightly" for every two weeks.
How did "Fortnightly" originate?
It originates from Old English, meaning "fourteen nights."
In which countries is "Fortnightly" commonly used?
Countries like the UK commonly use "Fortnightly."
When is Biweekly commonly misunderstood?
In contexts like pay schedules, where Biweekly could mean getting paid twice a week or every two weeks.
Can Biweekly mean the same as "bimonthly"?
Not exactly. While both can imply occurrences within a month, their frequencies can differ.
Why does Biweekly have two meanings?
The prefix "bi-" can mean both "two" and "twice."
How can I avoid confusion with Biweekly?
Use "semi-weekly" for twice a week and "Fortnightly" for every two weeks to be clear.
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.
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.
Is "Fortnightly" an old-fashioned term?
While its origins are old, it's still widely used in some regions.
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.
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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.
