Huh? Here's What 'Fortnight' Actually Means
fortnight meaning
Ever since the release of Taylor Swift's tracklist for her upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department, people have been scrambling for Easter eggs and general answers about the proejct. For example, what does "fortnight" (the first song on the album, which features Post Malone) mean, exactly?
Nowadays, when you hear someone say the word "fortnight,” you most likely first think of the popular online video game that is set in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested world, spelled as "Fortnite." It was first released in 2017 and the original concept had gamers build forts and hold off monsters for 14 days and nights while battling different players to see who the last person standing will be. Over the years, it has increased in popularity and as of 2023 it has approximately 650 million registered players, so it’s no wonder that is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "fortnight" in a conversation.
However, “fortnight” has an entirely different meaning than just the title of a popular game. To learn more about the wordplay of the term, keep reading. We’re about to dive into fortnight's meaning and everything else you might be wondering about it. Trust us, it’s actually more interesting than you might think.
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What Does 'Fortnight' Mean?
Fortnight is a word that comes from the Old English term "fēowertīene niht." Its definition actually has to do with a set amount of time. It means a period of two weeks, or a period of 14 days.
How Long Is a Fortnight?
A fortnight is a two-week period of time.
Why Do They Call it a Fortnight?
The word “fortnight” came about because it’s a condensed version of its definition. It’s a shortened form of the phrase “fourteen nights,” where the beginning of each of those two words was put together to create a brand new one. However, instead of being spelled "fourtnight," it was spelled "fortnight."
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When Did We Stop Saying 'Fortnight'?
Believe it or not, “fortnight” was once a very common word used in the United States and Canada until the 1880s. However, after that, it gradually started to decline and was used less and less in people’s vocabulary.
By the 1920s, it was pretty much nonexistent and considered archaic. That’s why if someone were to use it correctly in a sentence today, the other person would probably be confused.
However, while the word isn’t used much in America anymore, it is still used elsewhere around the world. The most popular places you’ll hear it is in Great Britain and some other former British colonies. You’re also more likely to come across it if you ever read an older British novel.
Examples of Using 'Fortnight' in a Sentence
Curious how to use "fortnight" in a sentence? Here are some examples.
She felt well-rested after her fortnight in the Caribbean.
The strawberry harvest is growing so fast that every fortnight at least 200 more were ready to pick.
Ellie had to wait a fortnight until she could visit her friend.
Her true love returned a fortnight later to discover that she had painted their house pink.
Just a fortnight ago we were living in the country, and now we have a new home in NYC.
It’s normal to feel sluggish, especially after a fortnight of festive wedding celebrations.
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