Annual vs. Yearly: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on November 21, 2023
"Annual" and "Yearly" both refer to something occurring once every year; however, "Annual" often conveys a sense of formality or significance, while "Yearly" denotes regular recurrence.
Key Differences
"Annual" and "Yearly" are two terms that are commonly used interchangeably to signify something happening once every 12 months. However, there are subtle nuances in their usage. "Annual" is often employed to denote events or occasions of significance, importance, or formality.
For instance, many organizations will have an "Annual General Meeting" rather than a "Yearly General Meeting." The term "Annual" seems to carry a weightier connotation, suggesting a tradition or established ritual. "Yearly", on the other hand, often signifies a simple recurrence, emphasizing the regularity of an occurrence.
When considering contexts outside of events, "Annual" is often used in financial domains, such as "Annual Report" or "Annual Budget". This underscores the formality and significance of these documents. "Yearly", in contrast, might be used to describe habitual actions or occurrences, like a "Yearly check-up" or a "Yearly vacation".
While both words are adjectives, "Annual" can also function as a noun, especially in botanical contexts. For example, an "Annual" is a plant that completes its lifecycle within one year. "Yearly" does not share this versatility and is primarily used as an adjective.
To summarize, "Annual" and "Yearly" both refer to something occurring every year. Yet, their connotations differ, with "Annual" often exuding a sense of formality or importance, and "Yearly" stressing regularity and recurrence.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Formal or significant occurrences
Regular occurrences
Common Contexts
Financial reports, important meetings
Routine check-ups, common habits
Grammatical Function
Adjective, can also be a noun in botanical contexts
Adjective only
Nuance
Conveys importance, tradition
Emphasizes recurrence or routine
Examples
Annual General Meeting, Annual Report
Yearly check-up, Yearly subscription fee
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Annual and Yearly Definitions
Annual
"Annual is used to describe something occurring once a year."
The company hosts an annual gala for its employees.
Yearly
"Yearly emphasizes the cyclic nature of an occurrence."
The magazine offers a yearly subscription at a discounted rate.
Annual
"Annual can be used both as an adjective and, in specific contexts, as a noun."
While I appreciate perennials, I also love planting annuals each spring.
Yearly
"Yearly refers to something that happens once every year."
I get a yearly bonus at my job.
Annual
"Annual suggests an event or occasion of significance or formality."
The annual conference attracts experts from around the world.
Yearly
"Yearly often describes routine or habitual actions."
My yearly physical exam is next month.
Annual
"Annual can also refer to plants that live for one year."
Marigolds are popular annual flowers in gardens.
Yearly
Occurring once a year or every year.
Annual
Recurring, done, or performed every year; yearly
An annual medical examination.
Yearly
Once a year; annually.
Annual
Of, relating to, or determined by a year
An annual income.
Yearly
A publication issued once a year.
Annual
(Botany) Living or growing for only one year or season.
Yearly
Happening once every year.
Christmas is a yearly celebration.
We deep-clean the kitchen on a yearly basis.
Annual
A periodical published yearly; a yearbook.
Yearly
Over the course of one year
A yearly income
Annual
(Botany) A plant that completes its entire life cycle in a single growing season.
Yearly
Once a year.
Annual
Happening once every year.
An annual general meeting;
An annual publication
Yearly
Every year.
Annual
Of, for, or relating to a whole year, often as a recurring cycle; determined or reckoned by the year; accumulating in the course of a year; performed, executed, or completed over the course of a year. See also circannual.
An annual salary;
Average annual profits;
The annual course of the sun
Yearly
Something that is published once a year.
Annual
Having a life cycle that is completed in only one growing season; e.g. beans, corn, marigold. See Annual plant in Wikipedia. Compare biennial, perennial.
Yearly
Happening, accruing, or coming every year; annual; as, a yearly income; a yearly feast.
Annual
(entomology) Living or lasting just one season or year, as certain insects or insect colonies.
Yearly
Lasting a year; as, a yearly plant.
Annual
An annual publication; a book, periodical, journal, report, comic book, yearbook, etc., which is published serially once a year, which may or may not be in addition to regular weekly or monthly publication.
I read the magazine, but I usually don't purchase the annuals.
Yearly
Accomplished in a year; as, the yearly circuit, or revolution, of the earth.
Annual
(botany) An annual plant; a plant with a life span of just one growing season; a plant which naturally germinates, flowers and dies in one year. Compare biennial, perennial.
I can't wait to plant my annuals in the spring.
Yearly
Annually; once a year to year; as, blessings yearly bestowed.
Yearly will I do this rite.
Annual
A medical checkup taking place once a year.
Yearly
Occurring or payable every year;
An annual trip to Paris
Yearly medical examinations
Annual (or yearly) income
Annual
(theater) A pantomime taking place once a year.
Yearly
Without missing a year;
They travel to China annually
Annual
Of or pertaining to a year; returning every year; coming or happening once in the year; yearly.
The annual overflowing of the river [Nile].
Yearly
"Yearly indicates the regular recurrence of something."
Our family takes a yearly trip to the mountains.
Annual
Performed or accomplished in a year; reckoned by the year; as, the annual motion of the earth.
A thousand pound a year, annual support.
Yearly
"Yearly is primarily used as an adjective."
The yearly inspection of the equipment ensures safety.
Annual
Lasting or continuing only one year or one growing season; requiring to be renewed every year; as, an annual plant; annual tickets.
Annual
A thing happening or returning yearly; esp. a literary work published once a year.
Annual
Anything, especially a plant, that lasts but one year or season; an annual plant.
Oaths . . . in some sense almost annuals; . . . and I myself can remember about forty different sets.
Annual
A Mass for a deceased person or for some special object, said daily for a year or on the anniversary day.
Annual
A plant that completes its entire life cycle within the space of a year
Annual
A reference book that is published regularly once every year
Annual
Occurring or payable every year;
An annual trip to Paris
Yearly medical examinations
Annual (or yearly) income
Annual
Completing its life cycle within a year;
A border of annual flowering plants
The common buttercup is a popular perennial plant
Annual
"Annual emphasizes the importance of an occurrence within a year."
The annual budget meeting will determine our financial priorities.
FAQs
What do "Annual" and "Yearly" mean?
Both refer to something happening once a year, but "Annual" often has a formal or significant connotation, while "Yearly" emphasizes recurrence.
Can "Annual" be used as a noun?
Yes, especially in botanical contexts to describe plants that live for a year.
Can you give an example where "Annual" might be preferred over "Yearly"?
"Annual General Meeting" would be preferred over "Yearly General Meeting".
Is "Yearly" used as a noun?
No, "Yearly" is primarily an adjective.
How do "Annual" and "Yearly" differ in nuance?
"Annual" suggests importance or tradition, while "Yearly" highlights regularity.
Can "Yearly" be used to describe significant events?
Yes, but "Annual" might be chosen for its weightier connotation.
Can I use "Yearly" to describe a meeting?
Yes, but "Annual" might be chosen if the meeting holds significant importance or formality.
Are there contexts where "Yearly" is more appropriate than "Annual"?
"Yearly" may be more appropriate for regular, less formal occurrences.
Is "Annual report" more common than "Yearly report"?
Yes, "Annual report" is more commonly used, especially in business contexts.
Which is more formal, "Annual" or "Yearly"?
"Annual" is generally considered more formal.
Which term is more versatile, "Annual" or "Yearly"?
"Annual" is more versatile, as it can function both as an adjective and, in certain contexts, as a noun.
Are there instances where "Annual" and "Yearly" are interchangeable?
Yes, in many instances they can be used interchangeably, but the connotation might differ slightly.
What is the origin of "Annual"?
It comes from the Latin word "annus," meaning "year".
Can "Yearly" describe plants?
No, "Annual" is used in botany to describe plants with a one-year lifecycle.
How are these terms used in financial contexts?
"Annual" is commonly used, like in "Annual Report" or "Annual Budget".
Is there a difference in the frequency of events described by "Annual" and "Yearly"?
No, both indicate events happening once a year.
What is the origin of "Yearly"?
It has Old English roots, originating from "gear," meaning "year".
Are there synonyms for "Annual" and "Yearly"?
Yes, synonyms include "perennial" for "Annual" (botanical context) and "regular" or "recurring" for "Yearly".
Can "Annual" or "Yearly" refer to things lasting a year?
"Annual" can, especially in reference to plants; "Yearly" typically refers to events occurring once within the year.
How do these words relate to periodicity?
Both indicate occurrences with a one-year periodicity.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
