What does "vicennial" mean?
A twenty-year period
Vicennial
adj, noun
adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A twenty-year period
- Grammar: vicennial is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: twenty-year cycle, twenty-year duration, twenty-year period, twenty-yearly.
- Useful contrasts: annual, annual event, annual period.
- Usage evidence: The maps are presented at 20-year intervals (vicennials) because of the nature of the data, particularly for years prior to 1960 when estimation procedures were not nearly as developed as today.
How to use "vicennial"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "vicennial" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "vicennial" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "vicennial" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "vicennial" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "vicennial" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "twenty-year cycle" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A twenty-year period
"The maps are presented at 20-year intervals (vicennials) because of the nature of the data, particularly for years prior to 1960 when estimation procedures were not nearly as developed as today."
- 2 A twentieth anniversary, particularly
"Among the well established anniversaries celebrated by Chautauqua classes from year to year are the vicennials. A strong sense of comradeship is developed among members who come to Chautauqua twenty years after graduation..."
- 3 A twentieth anniversary, particularly; Synonym of vicennalia, the festival and religious ritual held in the 20th year of a Roman emperor's reign. historical
"The feast of Constantine's vicennials fell on the 25th of July this year: it was the commencement of the twentieth year of his reign. It is supposed, that to avoid interrupting affairs or greater moment, this ceremony was deferred till the end of the council, which broke up the 25th of August."
Adjective
- 1 Occurring once every twenty years. not-comparable
- 2 Lasting for twenty years. not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 occurring once every 20 years wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The maps are presented at 20-year intervals (vicennials) because of the nature of the data, particularly for years prior to 1960 when estimation procedures were not nearly as developed as today."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "vicennial"?
Common synonyms include: twenty-year cycle, twenty-year duration, twenty-year period, twenty-yearly, two decades, two-decade cycle.
How do you use "vicennial" in a sentence?
The maps are presented at 20-year intervals (vicennials) because of the nature of the data, particularly for years prior to 1960 when estimation procedures were not nearly as developed as today.
Etymology
From vicennium + -al or directly from Latin vīcenniālis, from vīcennium (“20-year span”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjective-forming suffix), from vīcennis (“20-year”) + -ium (“-ium”, suffix forming abstract nouns), from vīciēs (“20 times”) + annus (“year”) + -is (suffix forming compound adjectives). Equivalent to vice- (“twenty”) + -ennial.