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sstara

Definition/difference between biannual and semi-annual.  Same or different?

I have googled and Webster has confused me...  This is what webster said:

Examples of BIANNUAL

1. The group holds biannual meetings in December and July.
2. The art show is a biannual event that won't happen again for two more years.

 

LauraR326

It looks like biannual has 2 definitions.  One that happens twice a year and one that only happens once every 2 years. 

Kate&Mark

Actually, I believe Webster is wrong.

Biannual and semiannual both mean twice a year - they're synonyms. Biennial means every two years.

Because biannual and biennial are easy to confuse, lots of writers will use semiannual instead. 

sstara

Kate, I knew you would come through for me!  Thanks!

LauraR326

Stupid Webster.

Kate&Mark

I just double checked it with the AP Stylebook because it was bothering me. Webster was definitely wrong.

sstara

Thanks, Kate!

I'm a horrible speller, I suck at grammar (grammer?), and just English in general.  Give me a math problem and I will school you!

blueandgold749

Does semi-annual have to be 2 times a year, or could it be more than that?

sstara

blueandgold749:

Does semi-annual have to be 2 times a year, or could it be more than that?

I don't know.  Maybe that is Victoria's Secret!