Graduates: Definition and Part of Speech
The term graduates can be used both as a noun and a verb, depending on the context:
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Noun: Refers to individuals who have successfully completed an academic course or program.
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Example: “The university celebrated its graduates with a grand ceremony.”
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Verb (third person singular): Denotes the action of completing a degree program.
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Example: “She graduates next month from medical school.”
Core Synonyms
Here are some synonyms for graduates in various contexts:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commenced | Often refers to the completion and commencement of professional careers or roles. | “The company welcomed its new commencing graduates.” | Formal/Professional |
| Diplomaed | Suggests the attainment of a diploma specifically, emphasizing formal education. | “Upon being diplomaed, he planned to further his studies.” | Academic/Formal |
| Passed out | Common in India and Pakistan; signifies completion of an educational program with certification. | “The students passed out from college last week.” | Informal/Casual |
| Mates | Casual way often used informally for peers graduating together, especially at universities. | “Let’s catch up soon, old mates!” | Casual/Informal |
Usage Notes
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Commenced: Best suited for formal or business contexts where you want to emphasize not just the completion of studies but also entry into a career path. For example, “Our program commended the new graduates as they commenced their professional journey.”
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Diplomaed: Ideal in academic settings, particularly when highlighting specific types of degrees like diplomas rather than bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Example: “He was diplomaed in culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu.”
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Passed out: Commonly used informally in certain regions (notably India and Pakistan). While it means the same as graduates, its use might be less understood globally. It carries a slightly informal tone. Example: “After years of hard work, they finally passed out with flying colors.”
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Mates: Perfect for casual conversations among peers, especially within educational institutions where students often form close bonds. It emphasizes camaraderie rather than the formal aspect of graduating. Example: “I’m going to miss being surrounded by my mates from school.”
Common Pitfalls
When selecting a synonym for graduates, it’s crucial to consider context:
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Commenced can sometimes be confused with merely starting something new, but in this usage, it specifically refers to beginning post-education.
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Passed out is frequently misunderstood outside of regions where it’s commonly used. It does not imply fainting or an emergency exit from an institution; rather, it signifies successful completion.
Final Recap
In summary, while graduates can serve both as a noun and verb, synonyms like commenced, diplomaed, passed out, and mates provide nuanced alternatives depending on the context. Each synonym carries specific connotations that make them suitable for particular settings—be it formal, academic, or casual.
To expand your vocabulary effectively, try crafting sentences using these synonyms in various contexts. Consider writing a short paragraph about a fictional graduation ceremony using all of these terms to see how they can enrich your communication. Practicing this will enhance both your written and verbal skills, allowing for more precise expression in diverse situations.