annual - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
annual Word Meanings
- occurring once a year
- related to a year
- referring to a yearly publication
annual Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
annual Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈæn.ju.əl/
US
/ˈæn.ju.əl/
annual Word Etymology
Annual: an + nuus (year) → Latin 'annuus' (yearly) → English. Imagine a calendar with each page turning annually to reflect the same month every year.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Annual describes something that happens once every year, or that relates to a year in a general sense. It is often used for events, reports, or publications that recur on a yearly cycle. The word comes from Latin annuus, meaning yearly, and in everyday English you can say an annual festival, an annual budget, or an annual report. Because it implies regular repetition, annual is typically more formal than casual words like yearly. In calendars and planning, annual goals are set for the year ahead, while an annual publication appears every year without requiring a new edition mid-year.
Usage Reminders
- Use before nouns to describe yearly events or publications.
- Annual vs yearly: annual is more formal.
- Common collocations: annual report, annual conference, annual budget.
- Often paired with fiscal or academic years.
- An annual event occurs every year, not multiple times within the year.
Common Misconceptions
- Annual means every day; it does not.
- Annual and yearly are exact synonyms in all contexts.
- Annual always refers to a calendar year, not a fiscal year.
- An annual event must be a festival; other events cannot be annual.
- Annual cannot describe ongoing processes that happen more than once a year.
Thinking Differences
English tends to pair annual with formal nouns (reports, budgets) and often contrasts it with monthly or weekly terms in business contexts.
Learning Tips
- Remember that annual often appears with formal nouns like report or budget.
- Compare annual with yearly to choose formal vs casual tone.
- Use annual with phrases like annual meeting, annual conference, annual leave.
- Pair with fiscal or academic years to clarify scope.
- Pronounce with emphasis on second syllable: an-NU-al.
- Avoid using annual for events that don’t recur every year.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'annual' mean?
A.Horse
B.Jump
C.Yearly
D.Purple
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'annual' correctly?
A.He plants flowers annual the garden.
B.I love to eat annual ice cream.
C.The zoo holds an annual event every year.
D.She likes to paint annual colors.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'annual'?
A.Biennial
B.Weekly
C.Hourly
D.Once
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'annual'?
A.Regular
B.One-time
C.Daily
D.Spontaneous
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for the word 'annual'?
A.The project is completed every month.
B.He goes on vacation every week.
C.The school hosts a talent show every year.
D.She buys new clothes every season.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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