Reading Theme:
Graduate: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：university leaver (graduate)
graduate
/ˈɡrædʒ.u.ət/
n.
A person who has finished studying at a school, college, or university.
university leaver
➕
/juː.nɪˈvɜː.sə.ti ˈliː.vər/
n.
A person who has successfully completed their studies and earned a degree or diploma from an educational institution.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'gradus' (step, degree).
💡 Mnemonic
GRADUATE: Get Ready And Dream Upon Achieving The End.
📖 Example
As a recent graduate from a design school, she was excited to start her first job at an animation studio.
Having just completed her studies at a design school, she felt eager to begin working at an animation studio.
🔗 Collocations
recent graduate – someone who has just finished their studies
graduate school – a university department for advanced studies after a bachelor's degree
graduate degree – an advanced academic degree, such as a master's or doctorate
🔄 Synonyms
alumnus (n.) – a male former student of a particular school, college, or university
alumna (n.) – a female former student of a particular school, college, or university
degree holder (n.) – a person who has been awarded an academic degree
🌱 Derivatives
graduation (n.) – the ceremony of receiving a diploma or degree
postgraduate (adj./n.) – relating to or engaged in advanced study after a first degree; a student doing such study
📖 Cultural Story
The term originates from the Medieval Latin 'graduatus', meaning 'one who holds a degree'. In modern English-speaking cultures, graduation ceremonies (commencement) are major life events, often involving caps, gowns, and the ceremonial turning of tassels.
Meaning 2：complete studies (graduate)
graduate
/ˈɡrædʒ.u.ət/
n.
To successfully complete a course of study at a school, college, or university and get a degree.
complete studies
➕
/kəmˈpliːt ˈstʌd.iz/
n.
To successfully finish a course of study and receive a diploma or degree from an educational institution.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My brother will graduate with a degree in computer science this summer, and we're planning a big family celebration for him.
My brother is set to complete his computer science degree this summer, prompting us to organize a large family celebration.
🔗 Collocations
graduate from – to complete studies at a specific institution
graduate with honors – to complete a degree with high academic achievement
be due to graduate – to be expected to finish studies soon
🔄 Synonyms
complete (v.) – to finish a course or program
finish (v.) – to bring to an end, especially a course of study
get a degree (v. phrase) – to earn an academic qualification
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
graduation (n.) – the action of receiving a diploma or degree
undergraduate (n.) – a student at a college or university who has not yet earned a bachelor's degree
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