Semiannual: Definition, Usage, and Hyphenation
Definition and Usage
Semiannual is an adjective that means “occurring every six months or twice a year”. It is often used to describe events, publications, or financial reports that happen on a regular basis. For example, a company might release its financial results semiannually, or a magazine might be published semiannually.
Key Facts
- Semiannual and semiannual are exactly the same and can be written either with or without the hyphen. In American English, it is common to use prefixes before the base word without a space or hyphen. On the other hand, British English tends to join the prefix to another word using a hyphen.
- According to Merriam-Webster, semiannual means “occurring every six months or twice a year”.
- Semiannual and biannual are synonyms, meaning they have the same definition. They can be used interchangeably in most cases.
Semiannual is synonymous with biannual, which also means “occurring every six months or twice a year”. The two words can be used interchangeably in most cases. However, some writers prefer to use semiannual over biannual because it is less likely to be confused with biennial, which means “occurring every two years”.
Hyphenation
Semiannual can be written as one word (semiannual) or as two words (semi annual). In American English, it is more common to write semiannual as one word without a hyphen. However, in British English, it is more common to write semiannual as two words with a hyphen.
There is no right or wrong way to write semiannual. However, it is important to be consistent in your usage. If you choose to write semiannual as one word, be sure to do so consistently throughout your writing.
Examples
- The company’s semiannual report will be released next week.
- The magazine is published semiannually, in January and July.
- The conference is held semiannually, in the spring and fall.
- The school’s semiannual fundraiser is always a success.
- The team’s semiannual awards banquet is held at the end of each season.
Conclusion
Semiannual is an adjective that means “occurring every six months or twice a year”. It is synonymous with biannual, and the two words can be used interchangeably in most cases. Semiannual can be written as one word or as two words, with or without a hyphen. The most common way to write semiannual is as one word without a hyphen.
References
- https://livexp.com/blog/what-are-biannual-biennial-and-semiannual/
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiannual
- http://www.enhancemywriting.com/semiannual-vs-biannual
FAQs
What does semiannual mean?
Semiannual means occurring every six months or twice a year.
Is semiannual hyphenated?
Semiannual can be written as one word (semiannual) or as two words (semi annual). In American English, it is more common to write semiannual as one word without a hyphen. However, in British English, it is more common to write semiannual as two words with a hyphen.
When should I use semiannual?
Semiannual is used to describe events, publications, or financial reports that happen on a regular basis, twice a year.
What is the difference between semiannual and biannual?
Semiannual and biannual are synonyms, meaning they have the same definition. They can be used interchangeably in most cases. However, some writers prefer to use semiannual over biannual because it is less likely to be confused with biennial, which means “occurring every two years”.
Are there any other words that are similar to semiannual?
Yes, other words that are similar to semiannual include biyearly, twice-yearly, and half-yearly.
Can I use semiannual and biannual interchangeably?
Yes, in most cases, semiannual and biannual can be used interchangeably. However, some writers prefer to use semiannual over biannual because it is less likely to be confused with biennial.
What are some examples of semiannual events?
Some examples of semiannual events include:
* Company financial reports
* Magazine publications
* Conferences
* School fundraisers
* Team awards banquets
What are some examples of semiannual publications?
Some examples of semiannual publications include:
* Magazines
* Journals
* Newsletters
* Reports
* Catalogs