triannual: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal
Quick answer
What does “triannual” mean?
Occurring three times a year.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Occurring three times a year.
Can ambiguously refer to occurring every three years, but this usage is less common and often confused with 'triennial'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Both variants carry a formal tone and are typically used in written or technical contexts.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, with occasional use in specific fields like business or academia.
Grammar
How to Use “triannual” in a Sentence
occurring on a triannual basisheld triannuallyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “triannual” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The committee meets triannually to discuss policy changes.
American English
- The journal is published triannually to update research findings.
adjective
British English
- The triannual audit is scheduled for March, July, and November.
American English
- The triannual review takes place in January, May, and September.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal reports or meetings that occur three times a year, such as financial reviews or board gatherings.
Academic
Found in scholarly contexts to describe publications or conferences held three times annually.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation; more common in written or formal settings.
Technical
Employed in fields like finance, publishing, or event planning to specify frequency precisely.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “triannual”
- Confusing 'triannual' with 'triennial', using it to mean every three years instead of three times a year.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'triannual' typically means occurring three times a year, while 'triennial' means occurring every three years.
It is a low-frequency word, primarily used in formal or technical contexts rather than casual conversation.
While sometimes used ambiguously, it is generally recommended to use 'triennial' for every three years to avoid confusion.
It is pronounced /traɪˈæn.ju.əl/ in both British and American English.
Occurring three times a year.
Triannual is usually formal in register.
Triannual: in British English it is pronounced /traɪˈæn.ju.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /traɪˈæn.ju.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tri-' meaning three and 'annual' meaning yearly, so three times a year.
Conceptual Metaphor
Time as a measurable cycle, with frequency partitioned into yearly segments.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'triannual'?