yearly

Yearly is an English term that functions as both an adjective and an adverb meaning occurring once every year or at intervals of one year, i.e., annually. It describes events, reports, budgets, subscriptions, and other phenomena that repeat on a yearly basis. In many contexts, yearly and annual are interchangeable; however, annual is often preferred in formal or official writing, while yearly can carry a softer, more conversational tone. Annually is the adverb form.

Etymology-wise, yearly is formed from the noun year plus the suffix -ly, with roots in Old English and Middle English. Related terms include yearly cycle, fiscal year, and calendar year. Biennial refers to something occurring every two years, providing a contrast to the yearly pattern.

Common uses include phrases like a yearly festival, a yearly budget, or a yearly subscription. In business and governance, organizations may publish a yearly or annual report detailing performance and plans for the coming year. In statistical and financial contexts, people often discuss year-over-year comparisons, which measure change relative to the previous year rather than the current year's events alone.

See also: annual, biennial, calendar year, fiscal year.