Graduate
UK /["/ˈɡrædʒuət/"]/US /["/ˈɡrædʒuət/"]/
Definition
a person who has a university degree
In simple words: To finish school or college and receive a degree or diploma.
Examples
- She is a recent graduate from the university.
- The graduate received a scholarship for her outstanding achievements.
- Many graduate students are pursuing advanced degrees.
- He decided to graduate despite the challenges he faced.
- As a graduate, new opportunities await you in the job market.
Usage notes
Commonly used in academic contexts. Appropriate in both casual and formal conversations, but may not be suitable in informal slang settings.
Grammar pattern
graduate + from + institution
Memory hint
Think of a cap and gown at a graduation ceremony — you graduate to celebrate!
Collocations
- business-school
- law-school
- college
- course
- degree
- program
- graduate in
- business-school
- law-school
- college
- course
- degree
- program
- graduate in
Synonyms
- complete
- finish
- receive a degree
- pass out
- commence
Antonyms
- dropout
- failure
Common mistakes
- Saying 'graduate from college' instead of 'graduate from university' in some countries.
- Confusing 'graduate' with 'undergraduate' which refers to a student who has not yet graduated.
- Using 'graduated' as an adjective instead of the noun 'graduate' for people.