The spelling of the word "sexennial" corresponds with its pronunciation phonetically; /sɛksɛnijəl/. The first syllable "sex" refers to the number six, while the second syllable "enn" comes from the Latin word "annus," meaning year. Therefore, "sexennial" refers to a period of six years. It's important to pay attention to the specific sequence of letters in the word to ensure proper spelling since the word contains two sets of double letters, "s" and "nn."
Sexennial is an adjective that refers to something occurring or taking place every six years. The term originates from the Latin word "sexennium," which combines "sex" meaning six and "annus" meaning year.
In various contexts, sexennial is used to describe events, activities, or cycles that have a frequency of six years. It is commonly employed in politics and governance to indicate elections or terms of office that occur at this interval. For example, certain political positions or leadership roles may have fixed or customary sexennial terms, and elections for these positions take place every six years. This usage can be observed in countries that follow a specific election cycle or have constitutional requirements for specific offices.
Additionally, the term sexennial can also be applied to cultural events, festivals, or exhibitions that take place once in every six years. It highlights the uniqueness and long interval between these recurring occurrences, enhancing their significance and making them highly anticipated by participants and spectators alike.
In summary, sexennial is an adjective used to describe events, activities, or cycles that repeat once every six years. With its roots in Latin, this term is widely employed in political contexts to denote elections or terms of office that occur at this interval, as well as in relation to cultural events that take place every six years.
Happening once in six years, or lasting six years.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sexennial" is derived from Latin roots. It combines the prefix "sex-" meaning "six" and the suffix "-ennial" meaning "annual" or "year". The Latin word "sexennis" also exists, which means "lasting for six years" or "occurring every six years". Thus, "sexennial" refers to something that happens or occurs every six years.