When people come across the word ‘biweekly,’ confusion often follows. It’s a term that seems simple on the surface but quickly becomes complicated in real-world usage. Some assume it means twice a week, while others take it to mean once every two weeks. This double meaning can lead to misunderstandings in schedules, payments, and publications. The variation between ‘bi weekly’ and ‘biweekly’ also sparks questions about correct spelling and spacing. For anyone working with calendars, payrolls, or regular planning, understanding the correct meaning and usage is essential. Let’s explore this term in depth and uncover the nuances behind it.
Understanding the Term ‘Biweekly’
Definition and Etymology
The term ‘biweekly’ originates from the prefix ‘bi-‘ meaning ‘two’ and the word ‘weekly’ meaning ‘once a week.’ However, the ‘bi-‘ prefix can indicate either ‘two’ or ‘every two,’ resulting in two potential interpretations:
- Twice a week meaning something happens two times within one week.
- Every two weeks meaning something happens once every two weeks.
This ambiguity has led to widespread debate and confusion, especially in professional contexts like payroll and meetings. Dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary acknowledge both meanings as valid, which doesn’t help to eliminate the confusion.
Biweekly vs. Semiweekly
To clarify communication, some prefer to use the term ‘semiweekly’ for events that occur twice a week. ‘Semiweekly’ clearly indicates an interval of half a week, or two times per week, whereas ‘biweekly’ can still refer to the more commonly accepted meaning of once every two weeks. However, ‘semiweekly’ is not as widely used in casual conversation, which leads to continued preference for ‘biweekly,’ even with its ambiguity.
Spelling: Biweekly or Bi Weekly?
Correct Usage of the Compound Word
‘Biweekly’ is most commonly written as a single compound word. This is the standard form recognized in dictionaries and style guides. The form ‘bi weekly’ with a space is technically incorrect in formal English, though it may occasionally appear in informal writing or speech due to misunderstanding or autocorrect errors.
When writing professionally or academically, it’s best to stick to the correct form ‘biweekly’ as one word. Using ‘bi weekly’ may not only look unprofessional but can also reflect a lack of clarity or understanding of standard English usage.
Common Confusions and Misspellings
Aside from spacing issues, other common errors include:
- Using ‘bi-weekly’ with a hyphen While this is not entirely incorrect, modern usage prefers ‘biweekly’ without a hyphen.
- Misusing ‘biweekly’ when ‘bimonthly’ is intended These two terms also suffer from similar ambiguity, with ‘bimonthly’ meaning either twice a month or once every two months.
Biweekly in the Workplace
Payroll and Employment Schedules
In many work environments, ‘biweekly’ most often refers to a payroll schedule where employees are paid every two weeks. This typically results in 26 paychecks per year, as opposed to 12 for monthly or 24 for semimonthly payroll systems.
Using ‘biweekly’ in this context means:
- Employees are paid every other Friday or another chosen weekday.
- Some months will include three pay periods instead of two.
- Budgeting and taxes may be slightly different from semimonthly systems.
Meetings and Reporting
Many teams also schedule biweekly meetings, which typically occur once every two weeks. This provides regular check-ins without becoming overwhelming. However, it’s always recommended to clarify the schedule explicitly to avoid any miscommunication.
Biweekly in Media and Publishing
Publications and Newsletters
In media, newsletters, and print publications, ‘biweekly’ is commonly used to indicate that a magazine or newsletter is published every two weeks. This usage aligns with the dominant interpretation of ‘biweekly’ in most English-speaking regions.
Still, publishers often specify the exact dates or frequency to eliminate confusion. For example, they might say, ‘Published every other Thursday’ to be more reader-friendly and transparent.
Regional Differences in Meaning
UK vs. US Usage
Though both British and American English acknowledge the two meanings of ‘biweekly,’ their usage and frequency can vary:
- In American English, ‘biweekly’ more commonly refers to every two weeks, especially in payroll and scheduling.
- In British English, while both meanings are understood, ambiguity is more often addressed with alternative phrasing like fortnightly for clarity.
Clarifying Frequency in Communication
How to Avoid Misunderstanding
Because of its dual meanings, it’s always a good idea to clarify what is meant when using the term ‘biweekly.’ Instead of relying on a single word, you can provide specific context or use alternatives that eliminate ambiguity. Some options include:
- ‘Every other week’ instead of ‘biweekly’
- ‘Twice a week’ instead of ‘biweekly’ if that’s what is meant
- Listing actual dates or days of the week (e.g., ‘Tuesdays and Thursdays’)
Related Terms Worth Knowing
Understanding Similar Time-Based Words
Several other words often cause similar confusion. Understanding them can help improve clarity in writing and communication:
- Semimonthly Occurring twice a month, usually on fixed dates (e.g., the 15th and 30th).
- Bimonthly Can mean either twice a month or once every two months.
- Fortnightly A British English term meaning once every two weeks. It offers a clear alternative to ‘biweekly.’
Choosing the Right Word
Whether you choose to use ‘biweekly,’ ‘semiweekly,’ or ‘fortnightly,’ the most important thing is to be clear and consistent. The term ‘biweekly’ may appear simple, but its double meaning can cause significant confusion in everyday communication. For optimal clarity, especially in formal or business settings, it’s recommended to include specific days or intervals alongside the word. Avoid using the incorrect form ‘bi weekly’ and stick with the proper compound ‘biweekly.’ With better awareness of how and when to use it, you can communicate with greater precision and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.