fortnight — a period of fourteen consecutive days; two weeks
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a period of fourteen consecutive days; two weeks
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
Example Sentences
- My boss said I could work from home for a fortnight, but it felt like a fortnight in paradise!
- The rental agreement is for a fortnight minimum.
- She disappeared for a fortnight and came back speaking fluent French - suspicious!
fortnight
NOUN[/ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/]
a period of fourteen consecutive days; two weeks
After a fortnight of searching, midnight brings the insight!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old English 'feowertyne niht', literally meaning 'fourteen nights'. In medieval times, it was common to measure periods by counting nights rather than days, making this a practical unit for denoting a two-week span.
Breakdown
fourteen (feowertyne, from Old English feower meaning 'four' + tene meaning 'ten') + night (niht, Old English for 'night'); the compound was eventually contracted to 'fortnight'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss said I could work from home for a fortnight, but it felt like a fortnight in paradise!”
“The rental agreement is for a fortnight minimum.”
“She disappeared for a fortnight and came back speaking fluent French - suspicious!”
“The conference will run for a fortnight in September.”
📚Related Words
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