C2noun5K

Sophomore

UK /["/ˈsɒfəmɔː(r)/"]/US /["/ˈsɑːfəmɔːr/"]/

Definition

a student in the second year of a course of study at a college or university

In simple words: A student in their second year of school, especially in high school or college.

Examples

As a **sophomore**, you start to feel more comfortable in college.
**Sophomores** at the high school are preparing for standardized tests.
He was a **sophomore** in his chemistry class, really enjoying the subject.

Usage notes

Commonly used in American English to describe students in their second year. Less common in other educational systems. Use in educational contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think 'sophomores are still 'so for more’ learning in their second year!'

Collocations

sophomore year
sophomore student
sophomore class

Synonyms

second-year student
second-year
undergraduate

Antonyms

freshman
first-year student
senior
graduate

Common mistakes

Confused with 'freshman' (first year) or 'junior' (third year).
Mispronouncing it as 'sophomor'.
Using it for students in other years outside the second year.