Basic Details
Word: Biennial
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Happening every two years.
Synonyms: Biannual, every two years
Antonyms: Annual, yearly
Idioms and Phrases
- Seize the biennial: To take advantage of a rare opportunity that occurs every two years. Example: "When the art festival happens, we must seize the biennial and participate."
- Mark it biennially: To remember an important event that happens every two years. Example: "We need to mark it biennially on our calendars to remind us to celebrate our friendship."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The biennial art exhibition showcases the best talents from around the world.
Example 2: Our school holds a biennial sports day where all students can compete in various events.
Example 3: He looks forward to the biennial festival, which always draws large crowds and exciting activities.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the term "biennial" comes from the Latin roots 'bi' meaning 'two' and 'annus' meaning 'year'? Many events and plants are classified as biennial because they complete their life cycle in two years!
Famous Quote
"The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; it gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil cruses." - Gerard Manley Hopkins, reflecting the beauty found in rare occurrences, suitable for a biennial event.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "biennial" mean?
a) Happening every year
b) Happening every two years
c) Happen every month
d) Happening once
Answer: b) Happening every two years
2. Which of these is a synonym of "biennial"?
a) Annual
b) Biannual
c) Monthly
d) Weekly
Answer: b) Biannual
3. Which sentence uses "biennial" correctly?
a) The biennial event was a one-time celebration.
b) The school holds a biennial festival every two years.
c) His birthday is biennial and happens every year.
d) The biennial tree grows tall each month.
Answer: b) The school holds a biennial festival every two years.
4. Which idiom means to take advantage of a rare biennial opportunity?
a) Mark it biennially
b) Seize the biennial
c) A penny saved is a penny earned
d) Break the ice
Answer: b) Seize the biennial
5. What is the opposite of "biennial"?
a) Triannual
b) Annual
c) Monthly
d) Everyday
Answer: b) Annual
