B2noun5K

Pupil

UK /["/ˈpjuːpl/"]/US /["/ˈpjuːpl/"]/

Definition

a person who is being taught, especially a child in a school

In simple words: A student, especially in a school.

Examples

  • The teacher asked the pupil to read aloud.
  • Every pupil must complete their homework by Friday.
  • The pupil of the eye constricts in bright light.
  • She was fascinated by the way the pupil reacted to changes in lighting.
  • As a pupil, it's important to ask questions if you don’t understand.

Usage notes

Use 'pupil' mainly in the context of schools or education. It's less common in adult education settings where 'student' is preferred. Avoid using in informal situations.

Grammar pattern

pupil + noun

Memory hint

A 'pupil' is like a 'tiny scholar' in a school.

Collocations

  • able
  • bright
  • good
  • teach
  • exclude
  • expel
  • attendance
  • numbers
  • assessment
  • dilated
  • dilate
  • enlarge
  • dilate
  • enlarge

Synonyms

  • student
  • learner
  • scholar
  • trainee

Antonyms

  • teacher

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'student' in adult contexts
  • 'Pupil' used incorrectly as a verb
  • Spelling mistakes like 'pupile'