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Similar case in point: "bimonthly" means "twice a month." That makes sense.

But the definition for "bi-weekly" does not make sense.

What do you think?

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[-] jadero@lemmy.ca 66 points 11 months ago

I was taught that the "bi" prefix was a multiplier and "semi" was a divider.

That meant biweekly, bimonthly, biannually were every 2 weeks, months, years and semi-weekly, semi-monthly, semi-annually were every half a week, half a month, and half a year.

Then the real world intruded and I've been confused ever since. About the only time I hear "semi" and "bi" used on a regular basis the way I expect is with pay periods. Biweekly is every two weeks and semi-monthly is twice a month.

Canada, by the way.

PS: I suppose bisexual and semi trailers also fit my expectations.

[-] Rodeo@lemmy.ca 15 points 11 months ago

I'm on your side. Your rule makes sense, and what other people are doing doesn't make sense.

Stick to your rule and tell everyone else they're wrong.

[-] echodot@feddit.uk 3 points 11 months ago

Stick to your rule and tell everyone else they're wrong.

The way of the internet

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this post was submitted on 14 Dec 2023
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