Meaning of Word
Fortnight: A period of two weeks, equivalent to 14 days.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Fortnight: A time span of 14 consecutive days and nights.
- A unit of time commonly used in British English to denote two weeks.
- A two-week interval, often used for scheduling or planning purposes.
History and Origin
The word fortnight comes from the Old English term fÄ“owertyne niht, which translates to “fourteen nights.” It originated around the 10th century and was used to describe a period of 14 nights (or days). The term is predominantly used in British and Commonwealth English, while in American English, the equivalent “two weeks” is more common.
Detailed Explanation
Fortnight refers to a two-week duration, often used in various contexts, such as planning holidays, scheduling events, or measuring time intervals. While less commonly used in American English, it remains a standard term in British English and other English-speaking countries. The term is particularly popular in literary, historical, and rural settings.
Example Sentences
- The project is expected to be completed within a fortnight.
- They planned a fortnight-long vacation to the countryside.
- It has been a fortnight since their last meeting.
- The festival lasts for a fortnight, attracting thousands of visitors.
- The weather forecast predicts rain for the next fortnight.
- Farmers must prepare for the upcoming harvest in a fortnight.
- She checks her finances every fortnight to stay on track.
- The students have a fortnight to submit their assignments.
- He promised to return the borrowed book in a fortnight.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Two weeks: A simple alternative for a fortnight.
- Half a month: Approximately 14 days, half of a standard month.
- Biweekly period: A duration lasting two weeks.
- Fourteen days: Literal equivalent of a fortnight.
- Ten-day fortnight: Common in workplaces where shifts include weekends.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Week: A seven-day period.
- Month: A longer unit of time, typically 28-31 days.
- Day: A single 24-hour cycle.
- Interval: A span of time between events.
- Calendar: A system of organizing days, weeks, and months.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Biweekly: Occurring every two weeks or twice a week (context-dependent).
- Bimonthly: Happening every two months or twice a month.
- Fortnightly: Occurring or happening every fortnight.
- Semimonthly: Taking place twice a month.
- Decade: A much longer span of time, ten years.
Antonyms
- Day: A single 24-hour period.
- Week: A shorter time frame than a fortnight.
- Year: A significantly longer duration.
- Moment: A very brief, immediate span of time.
- Eternity: An infinite or immeasurable period.