Periodic vs. Periodical — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 10, 2024
Periodic refers to occurrences at regular intervals of time, while periodical denotes a publication released at such intervals, like magazines or journals.
Difference Between Periodic and Periodical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Periodic is used to describe something that happens or is done at regular intervals, implying a consistent pattern over time. For example, periodic maintenance of equipment ensures its reliability. On the other hand, periodical refers specifically to publications, such as magazines, journals, or newspapers, that are issued regularly but not daily. These publications may cover various subjects, including academic research, news, or special interests.
Discussing timing, periodic emphasizes the regularity and recurrence of events or actions. This could be anything from periodic health check-ups to periodic meetings. Whereas, periodicals have a set frequency of publication, which could be weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc., highlighting the schedule according to which new editions of the publication are released.
In terms of content, periodic can apply to a wide range of activities, phenomena, or processes that exhibit regularity, without being limited to any specific domain. This universality makes it applicable in scientific contexts (periodic reactions), finance (periodic payments), and more. Periodicals, however, are characterized by their content being updated and published at regular intervals, providing ongoing coverage of topics, research, or stories, catering to a specific audience or interest group.
Regarding their role, periodic serves as an adjective describing the nature of the occurrences or actions. It highlights the aspect of regularity and repeatability in various contexts. Periodical, while also an adjective when describing something with periodic traits, is more commonly used as a noun to denote publications that come out at scheduled intervals.
The relationship between the terms indicates that while all periodicals are periodic in nature, not everything periodic is a periodical. Periodic acts as an umbrella term for any regularly occurring events or activities, whereas periodical is a subset of periodic occurrences, specifically referring to the domain of publications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Occurring or appearing at regular intervals.
A publication issued at regular intervals.
Primary Use
Describing the nature of occurrences or actions.
Describing or as a noun for publications like magazines or journals.
Contexts
Broad, including science, finance, and general activities.
Specific to the publishing industry and information dissemination.
Frequency
Varied, as it depends on the specific context (daily, monthly, yearly, etc.).
Fixed, according to the publication schedule (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.).
Content
Not applicable, as it refers to the pattern of occurrence.
Updated content catering to specific audiences or interest groups.
Compare with Definitions
Periodic
Happening at regular intervals.
The company conducts periodic reviews of its policies.
Periodical
A magazine or journal published at regular intervals.
She subscribes to a science periodical.
Periodic
In terms of phenomena.
The periodic appearance of comets fascinates astronomers.
Periodical
Relating to academic research.
Researchers publish their findings in scholarly periodicals.
Periodic
Recurring over time.
Periodic maintenance is essential for the machine's longevity.
Periodical
Reflecting updated content.
The latest periodical covers current trends in technology.
Periodic
With respect to actions.
Periodic testing ensures the software's quality.
Periodical
As a means of information dissemination.
Periodicals are a great source for keeping up with industry news.
Periodic
Characterized by regularity.
He takes a periodic break from work to refresh.
Periodical
In the context of libraries.
The library's periodical section is updated monthly.
Periodic
Appearing or occurring at intervals
The periodic visits she made to her father
Periodical
A magazine or newspaper published at regular intervals.
Periodic
Relating to the periodic table of the elements.
Periodical
Occurring or appearing at intervals; occasional
She took periodical gulps of her tea
Periodic
Relating to a rhetorical period.
Periodical
Periodic.
Periodic
Having or marked by repeated cycles
Periodic oscillations.
Periodical
Published at regular intervals of more than one day.
Periodic
Happening or appearing regularly or from time to time
Periodic dental checkups.
Periodic rain showers.
Periodical
Of or relating to a publication issued at such intervals.
Periodic
Characterized by periodic sentences.
Periodical
A publication issued at regular intervals of more than one day.
Periodic
Relative to a period or periods.
Periodical
A publication issued regularly, but less frequently than daily.
Periodic
Having repeated cycles.
Periodical
A regularly issued thematic publication that contains the most current information in its field, often the primary means for communication of original scholarship or creative work at the cutting edge of research in its field.
Periodic
Occurring at regular intervals.
Periodical
Periodic.
Periodic
Periodical.
Periodical
Published at regular intervals of more than one day, especially weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
Periodic
(astronomy) Pertaining to the revolution of a celestial object in its orbit.
Periodical
Of, or relating to such a publication.
Periodic
For which any return to it must occur in multiples of time steps, for some .
Periodical
A magazine or other publication which appears at stated or regular intervals.
Periodic
(rhetoric) Having a structure characterized by periodic sentences.
Periodical
A publication that appears at fixed intervals
Periodic
Relating to the highest oxidation state of iodine; of or derived from a periodic acid.
Periodical
Happening or recurring at regular intervals
Periodic
Pertaining to, derived from, or designating, the highest oxygen acid (HIO ) of iodine.
Periodic
Of or pertaining to a period or periods, or to division by periods.
The periodicaltimes of all the satellites.
Periodic
Performed in a period, or regular revolution; proceeding in a series of successive circuits; as, the periodical motion of the planets round the sun.
Periodic
Happening, by revolution, at a stated time; returning regularly, after a certain period of time; acting, happening, or appearing, at fixed intervals; recurring; as, periodical epidemics.
The periodic return of a plant's flowering.
To influence opinion through the periodical press.
Periodic
Of or pertaining to a period; constituting a complete sentence.
Periodic
Happening or recurring at regular intervals
Periodic
Recurring at regular intervals
Periodic
Recurring or reappearing from time to time;
Periodic feelings of anxiety
Common Curiosities
Is it correct to call a magazine periodic?
While a magazine is issued at regular intervals, making it periodic in nature, the correct term is periodical.
Can the term periodical apply to online publications?
Yes, periodicals can be both print and online publications, as long as they are issued at regular intervals.
What is the main difference between periodic and periodical?
Periodic refers to something happening at regular intervals, while periodical specifically denotes a publication released regularly.
Can a publication be periodic but not a periodical?
No, publications that are issued regularly are called periodicals, making them inherently periodic.
How does the frequency of occurrence relate to periodic and periodical?
Periodic refers to the pattern of occurrence, while periodical refers to the scheduled release of publications, both indicating regular intervals.
What makes something periodic?
Regularity and recurrence at fixed intervals make something periodic.
How has digital media affected periodicals?
Digital media has expanded the reach and accessibility of periodicals, making them available online.
Can a blog be considered a periodical?
If a blog is updated at fixed, regular intervals, it can be considered a periodical in the broader sense.
Can periodic be used in a scientific context?
Yes, it's often used in science to describe phenomena that occur at regular intervals, like the periodic table.
Are all periodicals published monthly?
No, periodicals can be published weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc., depending on their schedule.
How do I know if something is periodic?
If it occurs or happens regularly over time, it's periodic.
Is a newsletter a periodical?
Yes, newsletters are periodicals if they are distributed regularly to subscribers.
What's an example of a non-publication periodic event?
Seasonal weather patterns are an example of a non-publication periodic event.
How do periodicals contribute to cultural knowledge?
They provide ongoing coverage of cultural trends, news, and developments, enriching public knowledge.
What role do periodicals play in academia?
They are crucial for disseminating research findings and academic discussions.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
