Graduation

/ˌɡrædʒuˈeɪʃən/

nounBeginner📊CommonEvent
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The ceremony or act of receiving a degree or diploma, or the completion of a course of study.

/ˌɡrædʒuˈeɪʃən/

nounpositiveBeginner
Event

The ceremony of awarding degrees or diplomas.

She wore a cap and gown for her graduation.

💡 Simply: It's like a big party and celebration when you finish school or college! You get a special paper (diploma or degree) and everyone cheers for you. It's the day you 'graduate'!

👶 For kids: When you finish school, you have a party called graduation! You get a paper that says you're done!

More Examples

2

The university held the graduation in the stadium.

3

The graduation was a joyous occasion for the family.

How It's Used

Education

"The graduation ceremony marked the end of four years of hard work."

Social

"Family and friends attended the graduation to celebrate the achievement."

2

The successful completion of a course of study and the receiving of a degree or diploma.

/ˌɡrædʒuˈeɪʃən/

nounpositiveBeginner
Achievement

The act of successfully completing a program of study and receiving a diploma or degree.

Her graduation from medical school was a proud moment for her parents.

💡 Simply: It means finishing a big school project, like high school or college! It's when you've learned everything and earned your degree or diploma.

👶 For kids: When you learn all the things in school, you're done, and you graduate!

More Examples

2

He is looking forward to his graduation next spring.

3

The graduation marks a significant milestone in her life.

How It's Used

Education

"The graduation requirements are clearly stated in the university's handbook."

Career

"Graduation from high school is often a prerequisite for many jobs."

Tip:You're taking a 'grad'ual 'uation' of your knowledge to completion.

Idioms & expressions

graduation speech

A speech delivered at a graduation ceremony.

"The valedictorian delivered a moving graduation speech."

graduate with honors

To receive a degree with academic distinction.

"She graduated with honors, having maintained a high GPA."

From Latin *graduatio*, from *gradus* ('a step') and implying 'a step towards a degree'. It initially referred to the act of conferring a degree but broadened to include the ceremony itself.

The word 'graduation' has been in use since the 16th century, initially referring to the granting of a degree. Its usage has gradually broadened over time.

Memory tip

Imagine walking 'grad'ually towards your 'uation' or future during the ceremony

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"step or degree"

graduation ceremonyhigh school graduationcollege graduationgraduation speechgraduation requirementsattend graduation

Common misspellings

graduashiongraduaitiongradution

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written