annually

UK: ˈæn.ju.ə.li | US: ˈæn.ju.ə.li

Definition

  1. adv. occurring once every year

  2. adv. calculated or measured over a year

Structure
annual <year>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

annual<year> + ly<adverb suffix>

  • annual: Derived from Latin annus (year), via Old French annuel. The root ann- retains its core meaning of "year" in modern English (e.g., anniversary, biannual).
  • ly: A productive Old English adverbial suffix (-lice), used to form adverbs from adjectives (e.g., quickly, happily).

Etymology Origin:
The word annually combines annual (rooted in Latin annus) with the adverbial suffix -ly, a Germanic construction. This hybrid structure reflects English’s history of borrowing Latin terms while retaining native grammatical patterns. The logic is straightforward: annual (yearly) + ly (manner) = "in a yearly manner."

Examples

  1. The report is published annually in December.

  2. Employees receive a bonus annually.

  3. The festival is held annually to celebrate local culture.

  4. Interest is compounded annually in this savings account.

  5. The tree blooms annually in early spring.