WordGarden.iofortnightly
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɔːtnaɪtli/
US
- /ˈfɔrtˌnaɪtli/
Meanings
Adjective
happening or appearing once every two weeks
Adverb
once every two weeks
Noun
a publication issued once every two weeks
Beyond the definition
"Fortnightly" describes something that occurs once every fortnight—a standard term in British and Commonwealth English meaning "every two weeks." You might receive a fortnightly paycheck or a magazine delivered fortnightly. It establishes a steady rhythm that sits comfortably between a weekly and a monthly schedule. For example, a gardener might fertilize their roses fortnightly to keep them blooming beautifully without over-saturating the soil. It is a precise way to mark time that avoids the ambiguity often found in other terms.
The word "fortnightly" traces its roots back to the Old English term "fēowertīene niht," which literally translates to "fourteen nights." While American English often leans toward "bi-weekly" or simply specifying "every two weeks," fortnightly carries a certain linguistic charm and, more importantly, a high level of precision. It is the primary term used in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand to describe regular occurrences that happen every other week.
You might attend a fortnightly meeting of a book club, meaning the members gather every two weeks. A journal could be published fortnightly, appearing once every fourteen days instead of daily or weekly. This term is particularly useful because it removes the confusion often associated with "bi-weekly," which in some regions can mean either "every two weeks" or "twice a week."
Historically, the fortnight held significance tied to lunar phases and agricultural cycles, marking a natural division of the month. While those ancient connections are less prominent today, the word remains a pillar of regularity and predictability. So, if you encounter something described as fortnightly, remember it is simply happening on a two-week schedule—a reliable slice of time marked by fourteen nights!
Examples
- 1
Workplace meetings
The team holds a fortnightly meeting to review new projects.
- Usage
more common in British English than in American English
- 2
Pay schedule
I get paid fortnightly, so I plan my budget two weeks at a time.
- 3
Newspaper column
Her fortnightly column appears in the local paper on Fridays.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- fortnightlyadjectiveadverb