Understanding the Difference Between Biennial and Biannual

Biennial vs. Biannual

It can be a little confusing to tell the difference between “biennial” and “biannual”. Let’s learn what they mean and how to use these words.

History

Both “biennial” and “biannual” come from combining Latin words. “Biennial” comes from “bi-” meaning two, and “annual” meaning year. It started being used in the 17th century. “Biannual” also uses “bi-“, but it means twice in this case.

How to Use Them

Biennial

“Biennial” means something happens every two years. It is something that does not happen frequently. Let’s look at some examples:

• The art show is a biennial event, happening once every two years.
• We have a biennial meeting in January every two years.
• The festival is biennial, organized only every two years.
• She participates in the biennial competition every two years.
• The garden exhibition is a big biennial attraction, happening every two years.

Biannual

“Biannual” means something happens twice a year. It happens more often than biennial events. Here are some examples:

• We have a biannual sale in summer and winter every year.
• The committee meets on a biannual basis, in June and December.
• The club publishes a biannual newsletter in spring and fall.
• She does a biannual check-up at the doctor’s office twice a year.
• The company holds biannual training sessions for employees every six months.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think about the letter “E” in biennial for “every two years,” and the letter “A” in biannual for “again in the same year” to help you remember.

Summary

Use “biennial” when something happens every two years. Use “biannual” when something happens twice in one year. Keep these differences in mind, and you will use both words correctly.