noun / adjective
baccalaureate
A ceremony honoring a graduating class, often with a religious service.
The graduating class gathers for a baccalaureate service in the chapel.
Etymology
Latin baccalaureatus named the standing or degree of a bachelor. The academic term also came to name a ceremony associated with graduation, often including a religious service.
More examples
- Families attended the baccalaureate before the graduation ceremony.
- The school invited a guest speaker to the baccalaureate.
- Music formed part of the annual baccalaureate celebration.
Forms
baccalaureate · baccalaureates
Similar words
- commencement
- Usually names the formal degree-conferring graduation ceremony.
- service
- Is broader and need not honor a graduating class.