four-year

UK: ˈfɔː jɪə | US: ˈfɔr jɪr

Definition

  1. adj. lasting or covering a period of four years

Structure
four <number 4>year <period of 365 days>
Etymology

The term "four-year" is a straightforward compound adjective formed by combining the numeral "four" (from Old English fēower, related to Proto-Germanic fedwōr) and "year" (from Old English ġēar, derived from Proto-Germanic jērą). It follows the common English pattern of combining numbers with time units (e.g., "two-day," "ten-minute") to describe duration or frequency. The hyphen ensures clarity in its adjectival function.

Examples

  1. She completed a four-year degree in biology.

  2. The president serves a four-year term.

  3. The project requires a four-year commitment.

  4. This tree takes four-year cycles to bear fruit.

  5. Their four-year partnership ended amicably.