Bimonthly vs. Biweekly — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 29, 2023
Bimonthly means every two months, while biweekly means every two weeks.
Difference Between Bimonthly and Biweekly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bimonthly refers to an event or action that occurs every two months, while biweekly pertains to something that happens every two weeks.
If a magazine publishes bimonthly, subscribers will receive six issues in a year. On the other hand, a biweekly magazine would provide 26 issues a year.
A bimonthly meeting occurs less frequently than a biweekly meeting. The former gathers six times a year, whereas the latter convenes 26 times annually.
It's crucial to understand the distinction as bimonthly and biweekly can impact scheduling. A bimonthly bill requires payment every two months, while a biweekly salary would result in 26 paychecks annually.
A bimonthly occurrence may be easier for planning, given its infrequency. However, a biweekly event requires more frequent attention, as it occurs every other week.
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Comparison Chart
Frequency
Every two months
Every two weeks
Annual Occurrences
6 times a year
26 times a year
Grammar Origin
"Bi-" meaning "two" + "monthly"
"Bi-" meaning "two" + "weekly"
Common Confusion
Sometimes thought to mean "twice a month"
Often confused with "twice a week"
Application
Useful for less frequent schedules
Preferred for regular, shorter intervals
Compare with Definitions
Bimonthly
Every two months;
The bill was payable bimonthly
Biweekly
Every two weeks;
He visited his cousins fortnightly
Bimonthly
Occurring every two months;
Bimonthly visits
Biweekly
Occurring or produced twice a week.
The town newspaper is a biweekly publication.
Bimonthly
Twice every month; semimonthly.
They checked on his progress bimonthly.
Biweekly
Lasting for two weeks.
The biweekly training session is comprehensive.
Bimonthly
A periodical produced twice a month or every two months.
Biweekly
Occurring once every two weeks; fortnightly.
Bimonthly
Happening every two months.
Biweekly
Referring to something related to two weeks.
He's on a biweekly schedule for his medication.
Bimonthly
Occurring twice every month; semimonthly.
His bimonthly appointment was almost due.
Biweekly
Every two weeks.
Bimonthly
A periodical produced every two months.
I eagerly await the next issue of my favorite bimonthly magazine.
Biweekly
Every two weeks.
Bimonthly
Pertaining to a two-month time frame.
We set bimonthly goals to track our progress.
Biweekly
Occurring or appearing once every two weeks; fortnightly.
Bimonthly
A bimonthly publication. See Usage Note at bi-1.
Biweekly
A periodical that is published biweekly
Bimonthly
Occurring once every two months; bimestrial.
Biweekly
Twice a week;
He called home semiweekly
Bimonthly
Twice a month;
Salaries are paid semimonthly
Biweekly
A publication issued every two weeks.
Bimonthly
Lasting for two months.
Their bimonthly exhibit runs from January to February.
Biweekly
Twice a week; semiweekly. See Usage Note at bi-1.
Bimonthly
Occurring or produced twice a month.
They hold bimonthly meetings on the 1st and 15th.
Biweekly
Pertaining to a two-week time frame.
Our biweekly budget helps us manage expenses.
Bimonthly
Occurring or produced twice a month or every two months
A bimonthly newsletter
Biweekly
Happening every two weeks.
Bimonthly
Twice a month or every two months
The magazine appears bimonthly
Biweekly
Happening twice a week; semiweekly.
Bimonthly
Happening twice a month; semimonthly.
Biweekly
Occurring every two weeks
Bimonthly
Once every two months.
Biweekly
Occurring twice a week (but see the Usage notes).
Bimonthly
Twice a month; semimonthly.
Biweekly
Twice a week (but see the Usage notes).
Bimonthly
Once every two months; bimestrially.
Biweekly
Something that is published or released once every two weeks.
The local paper is a biweekly.
Bimonthly
A publication that is published on a bimonthly basis.
We have to get the report done. If the boss doesn't get his bimonthly he'll scream.
Biweekly
Occurring twice a week
Bimonthly
Occurring, done, or coming, once in two months; as, bimonthly visits; bimonthly publications.
Bimonthly
Once in two months.
Bimonthly
A periodical that is published bimonthly
Bimonthly
Occurring twice a month;
A semimonthly publication
Common Curiosities
What does bimonthly mean?
Bimonthly means every two months.
Can bimonthly also mean twice a month?
Yes, bimonthly can also mean twice a month, though it's less common.
How often does a bimonthly event occur in a year?
A bimonthly event occurs six times a year.
What is the meaning of biweekly?
Biweekly means every two weeks.
Can biweekly also refer to twice a week?
Yes, biweekly can also mean twice a week, but it's less commonly used that way.
How many times does a biweekly event happen in a year?
A biweekly event happens 26 times a year.
Which is more frequent: bimonthly or biweekly?
Biweekly is more frequent, as it refers to every two weeks, while bimonthly means every two months.
How can one avoid confusion between bimonthly and biweekly?
To avoid confusion, it's often better to specify "every two months" or "every two weeks" rather than using bimonthly or biweekly.
Are there other "bi-" terms in English that can cause confusion?
Yes, words like "bimonthly" and "biannual" can also be confusing, as they can mean both twice in the period and every two periods.
Which term is more commonly used for pay schedules, bimonthly or biweekly?
Biweekly is more commonly used for pay schedules, resulting in 26 paychecks a year.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
