"Bimonthly" has two contradictory meanings: it can mean either "every two months" (six times per year) or "twice a month" (24 times per year).
The Bimonthly Confusion Explained
Two Accepted Definitions:
Definition 1: Every Two Months
- Frequency: 6 times per year
- Example: "Bimonthly magazine" (published every 2 months)
- Also called: Bimonthly (with this meaning predominant)
Definition 2: Twice a Month
- Frequency: 24 times per year
- Example: "Bimonthly paycheck" (paid twice monthly)
- Better term: Semimonthly (clearer, no ambiguity)
Why This Confusion Exists:
The prefix "bi-" means "two" but can be interpreted as:
- "Every two" (bi = occurring every two units)
- "Two times per" (bi = occurring two times per unit)
How to Avoid Confusion:
Ambiguous:
- "We meet bimonthly" (unclear meaning)
Clear Alternatives:
- "We meet every two months" (6 times/year)
- "We meet twice a month" (24 times/year)
- "We meet semimonthly" (2 times/month)
Best Practices:
- Use specific phrases instead: "every two months" or "twice monthly"
- For twice monthly: use "semimonthly" (unambiguous)
- Always clarify in context: "bimonthly (every 2 months)"
- In payroll: "semimonthly" is standard for twice-monthly pay