Periodic vs. Periodically — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Periodic" refers to something occurring at regular intervals, like a periodic meeting, while "periodically" is an adverb describing how often an action is performed, e.g., checking email periodically.
Difference Between Periodic and Periodically
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Periodic" is used to describe events or phenomena that occur at fixed or predictable intervals. For example, a periodic review happens every quarter. On the other hand, "periodically" serves as an adverb, indicating the frequency with which an action occurs, such as periodically reviewing email to ensure no important messages are missed.
"Periodic" can modify nouns directly, suggesting a regular sequence. For instance, periodic maintenance is scheduled maintenance that happens after set durations. Conversely, "periodically" modifies verbs, illustrating the timing of actions, like cleaning filters periodically to maintain air quality.
In scientific contexts, "periodic" describes occurrences that are consistent and repeat after a certain period, like periodic signals in electronics. Whereas, "periodically" is used to describe the action of checking or observing these signals at regular intervals.
When discussing publications, "periodic" can describe journals or reports that are published at regular intervals, such as monthly or annually. Meanwhile, "periodically" might refer to the action of reading these publications at intervals to stay updated with new research.
In terms of usage, "periodic" tends to be more formal and is often used in technical or academic descriptions. Periodically, however, is more versatile and commonly appears in both formal and informal contexts, reflecting the regularity of various routine actions.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb
Usage
Modifies nouns
Modifies verbs
Contexts
Schedules, events, phenomena
Actions, routines
Frequency
Implies regularity
Describes how often
Examples
Periodic meetings, periodic maintenance
Periodically review, periodically update
Compare with Definitions
Periodic
Pertaining to something that occurs at regular intervals.
The company holds periodic reviews.
Periodically
From time to time; occasionally.
Periodically, he visits the old neighborhood.
Periodic
Happening repeatedly over time.
He faced periodic assessments during the training.
Periodically
At regular intervals of time.
She checks her emails periodically.
Periodic
Relating to the periodic table in chemistry.
Periodic trends determine element reactivity.
Periodically
In a manner that repeats at cycles.
The lights flicker periodically.
Periodic
Involving or constituting a repeated series.
Periodic publications are essential for current information.
Periodically
In terms of occurring at intervals.
The garden requires watering periodically.
Periodic
Occurring in a cyclic manner.
The machine undergoes periodic maintenance.
Periodically
Happening now and then.
They meet periodically to discuss progress.
Periodic
Appearing or occurring at intervals
The periodic visits she made to her father
Periodically
From time to time; occasionally
I will periodically check on your progress
The students received help from a friend only periodically
Periodic
Relating to the periodic table of the elements.
Periodically
Having or marked by repeated cycles
Periodic oscillations.
Periodic
Relating to a rhetorical period.
Periodically
Happening or appearing regularly or from time to time
Periodic dental checkups.
Periodic rain showers.
Periodic
Having or marked by repeated cycles
Periodic oscillations.
Periodically
Characterized by periodic sentences.
Periodic
Happening or appearing regularly or from time to time
Periodic dental checkups.
Periodic rain showers.
Periodically
In a manner that is regular or periodic.
Periodic
Characterized by periodic sentences.
Periodically
Intermittently or recurrently
Periodic
Relative to a period or periods.
Periodically
In a periodical manner.
Periodic
Having repeated cycles.
Periodically
In a sporadic manner;
He only works sporadically
Periodic
Occurring at regular intervals.
Periodic
Periodical.
Periodic
(astronomy) Pertaining to the revolution of a celestial object in its orbit.
Periodic
For which any return to it must occur in multiples of time steps, for some .
Periodic
(rhetoric) Having a structure characterized by periodic sentences.
Periodic
Relating to the highest oxidation state of iodine; of or derived from a periodic acid.
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
What does "periodic" mean?
"Periodic" means occurring at regular, predictable intervals.
Can "periodic" and "periodically" be used interchangeably?
No, "periodic" is an adjective, while "periodically" is an adverb; they modify different parts of speech.
How is "periodically" used in a sentence?
"Periodically" is used to describe the frequency of an action, e.g., "The system updates periodically."
How often should "periodically" be interpreted as occurring?
The frequency implied by "periodically" depends on context but generally indicates regular intervals.
Can "periodically" indicate irregular intervals?
Typically, "periodically" suggests regular intervals, though it can sometimes imply less precise timing.
What does it mean to do something periodically?
Doing something periodically means doing it at intervals, not continuously.
Is "periodic" only used in scientific contexts?
While often used in scientific contexts, "periodic" is also common in general descriptions of timed events.
What makes a publication periodic?
A publication is periodic if it is issued regularly at scheduled times.
Are there synonyms for "periodic" and "periodically"?
Yes, synonyms include "regular," "recurring" for "periodic," and "occasionally," "from time to time" for "periodically."
What is an example of a periodic event?
An example of a periodic event is a biannual conference.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited 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.
