rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygraduateCompletion of studies
noun / verb / adjective

graduate

GRAJ-oo-ayt/ˈɡrædʒuət/

To complete a course and advance beyond its level.

Students graduate from this program after completing a final project.

A new graduate in plain gown and mortarboard holds a rolled blank diploma and smiles, small tassel and graduation clothing clear, no university crest or writing.
Etymology
graduLatinstep, degree
+ateLatinpast-participle ending

A degree was understood as a step or stage of advancement. A graduate is someone who has reached that academic stage by taking a degree.

In context

Saint Lucia Government15:38
a graduate from the Leon Hess comprehensive secondary school where he obtained seven CSEC GCE passes
2019 Awards of Excellence

More examples

  • As a college graduate, she qualifies for the position.
  • He begins graduate study in chemistry this fall.
  • After months of practice, we graduate to more difficult pieces.

Forms

graduate · graduates · graduated · graduating

graduation noun — The completion of a course of study.

Similar words

complete
Complete emphasizes finishing requirements rather than reaching a new level.
advance
Advance means move forward without necessarily completing a course.
alumnus
An alumnus attended a school but may not have graduated.