Understanding the Word Annum
When you browse job postings, read financial reports, or look at interest rates, you will frequently encounter the term annum. While it might sound like formal or academic jargon, it is a staple of everyday professional communication in English. Derived directly from Latin, the word is a classic example of how ancient languages continue to shape our modern vocabulary. Understanding how to use it correctly will make your writing and comprehension much more precise.
Meaning and Origin
At its core, annum is a Latin noun that simply translates to year. In contemporary English, however, we rarely use it as a standalone word. Instead, it functions almost exclusively as part of the Latin phrase per annum, which means by the year or for each year.
Because it is a loanword from Latin, it retains a formal, objective tone. It is typically found in legal contracts, banking documents, and professional agreements where clarity regarding timeframes is essential.
Usage and Common Phrases
The most frequent way you will see this word is in the expression per annum. It acts as an adverbial phrase, helping to define the frequency of an event or a payment. Here are a few ways to use it:
- Salaries: "The starting salary for this position is $60,000 per annum."
- Interest Rates: "The bank offers a savings account with an interest rate of 3% per annum."
- Fees: "The membership fee is calculated at $120 per annum, billed in January."
You may also recognize the word in common English derivatives. Words like annual, anniversary, and annuity all share the same root, meaning they all relate to the passage of a single year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even native speakers sometimes misuse annum. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don't drop the "per": While "annum" means year, saying "I earn 50k annum" sounds unnatural. Always include the preposition "per" to make the phrase grammatically correct.
- Avoid overusing it in casual conversation: You wouldn't say to a friend, "I see my family once per annum." In casual settings, it is much more natural to simply say "once a year" or "yearly."
- Pluralization: Never pluralize it as "annums." The phrase "per annum" is fixed; it does not change based on whether you are talking about one year or multiple years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "per annum" the same as "per year"?
Yes, they mean exactly the same thing. Per annum is simply the Latin version, while per year is the standard English version. Per annum is generally reserved for more formal or financial contexts.
Can I use "per annum" for things that happen multiple times a year?
No. Per annum specifically refers to a single year. If something happens more than once a year, you should use terms like "per month," "quarterly," or "biannually."
Should I capitalize "per annum"?
No, you should not capitalize it unless it appears at the beginning of a sentence or in a title where all words are capitalized.
Is "per annum" considered jargon?
It is definitely professional terminology. In the fields of finance, law, and economics, it is standard language. In everyday conversation, however, it can sound a bit stiff or pretentious.
Conclusion
The word annum serves as a reliable anchor in financial and legal English. By learning to use it in the phrase per annum, you can convey information about salaries, interest, and costs with greater professionalism and clarity. While you should keep it out of your casual texts and emails, mastering this term is a small but important step toward sounding more fluent in professional settings.