Talk:bimonthly

To all those who are thinking of removing one or other of the two opposing definitions. The two definitions (once every 2 months, and twice a month) are both correct and should remain in the entry. -- ALGRIF talk 15:06, 9 March 2010 (UTC)

G. &C. Merriam, Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary 1973, 1981 agrees!

Mydogtrouble 16:15, 15 March 2010 (UTC)

I don't know why there's confusion. I get paid a check biweekly, which means every two weeks, not twice a week. Likewise my magazine subscription arrives bimonthly, or every two months. It seems perfectly clear. ----- 72.70.141.84 10:46, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Just because it seems clear to you, doesn't mean there isn't confusion elsewhere. :) Dracunculus 20:43, 10 February 2011 (UTC)

Not Confusion, Just Persistent Error

The erroneous use of "bimonthly" when "semimonthly" is intended has become so prevalent that it has achieved "correct" status according to some sources. I say, "Pfui!". "Bimonthly" means every two months, period.

Bi - 2 , Monthly - In a month.... Bi Monthly is once in two months... Straight, Simple and Clear

From American Heritage Dictionary: "The prefix bi-, when modifying an adverb of time, means that the time interval should be doubled. Thus a bimonthly meeting takes place once every two months, and a biweekly meeting once every two weeks. The prefix semi-, in the same context, means that the interval of time should be halved. Thus, a semimonthly meeting is held twice a month (that is, every half month), and a semiweekly meeting twice a week. Words with the prefix bi- and semi- are often confused, so expressions such as every two months or twice a month are often preferable in order to avoid misinterpretation." 12.233.147.42 00:37, 28 February 2014 (UTC)

Unfortunately, "bimonthly" is one of those words that are so ambiguous that style guides consistently recommend eliminating altogether in favor of a synonym, including "twice a month," or "every two months," like you said. Inner Focus (talk) 19:58, 9 December 2020 (UTC)