Vocabulary Spotlight

Biennial

Part of Speech: Adjective / Noun

Definition: Occurring every two years; (in botany) a plant that takes two years to grow from seed to fruition and die.

“The biennial art exhibition attracts artists from around the world.”

Pronunciation

[bahy-en-ee-uhl]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Two-yearly
Biannual (though different meaning)
Biennary

Antonyms

Annual
Perennial
Monthly

Related Words

Annual
Perennial
Triennial

Word Origin

The word “biennial” originates from the Latin words “bi-” meaning “two” and “annus” meaning “year.” It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe events occurring every two years and in botany for plants that complete their life cycle over two years.

Word Family

Related Adjective: Biennially – Happening every two years.

Related Noun: Biennial plant – A plant with a two-year life cycle.

Mnemonics

Remember “Biennial” by associating “Bi-” with “two” (as in bicycle) and “-ennial” with “yearly.” So, “every two years.”

Industry-specific Usage

Art and Culture

Biennial events like art fairs or cultural exhibitions occur every two years, often drawing significant attention and participation.

Botany

Biennial plants grow foliage in their first year, bloom in their second year, and then die, contrasting with annual and perennial plants.

Politics

Some governmental and legislative processes occur on a biennial schedule, such as elections or budget reviews in certain regions.

In Context

Biennial events or cycles offer a middle ground between frequent (annual) and infrequent (longer) timeframes, allowing for planning, reflection, and change. In the natural world, biennial plants showcase nature’s cycles and processes.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which of the following best describes a “biennial” event?

Occurs every two years
Occurs every year
Occurs every three years
Occurs every month

‘Occurs every two years’ is correct, as “biennial” specifically refers to events or cycles happening every two years.

2. Fill in the blank: “The _______ festival attracts international visitors every two years.”

annual
biennial
monthly
perennial

‘Biennial’ fits here, as it describes events that happen every two years.

3. In which context would “biennial” be most appropriate?

A festival occurring every month
A daily newspaper
An annual meeting
A plant that blooms in its second year

‘A plant that blooms in its second year’ is appropriate as “biennial” describes plants with a two-year life cycle.