graduate

UK: ˈɡrædʒuət | US: ˈɡrædʒuˌeɪt

Definition

  1. n. a person who has completed a degree at a university or college

  2. vi. to complete a degree at a university or college

  3. vt. to confer a degree upon someone

Structure
grad <step, degree>uate <verb-forming suffix>grad <step, degree>uate <verb-forming suffix>
Etymology

The word graduate originates from Latin graduatus (one who has taken a degree), derived from gradus (step). It metaphorically frames academic advancement as climbing steps—each degree representing a higher level of achievement. The suffix -ate transforms the noun into a verb, emphasizing the action of completing these steps.

Examples

  1. She will graduate from Harvard next spring.

  2. The university graduated over 500 students this year.

  3. He is a graduate in computer science.

  4. After you graduate, what are your plans?

  5. The ceremony honored graduate students with distinction.