Undergraduate Meaning and Definition
Undergraduate
Pronunciation
/ˌʌndərˈɡrætʃɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A student who is in or has recently completed their first stage of higher education, typically after completing secondary education and before entering graduate or professional school.
Examples
- The undergraduate student worked part-time to support their education.
- The university has a strong focus on undergraduate research opportunities.
Synonyms
- College student
- Student
Antonyms
- Graduate
- Professional
Additional Information
Undergraduates are an essential part of higher education institutions, and many go on to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce. Many universities offer a range of undergraduate programs in various fields, including arts, sciences, engineering, and more.
The experiences and opportunities available to undergraduates vary widely depending on the institution and program. Some colleges and universities offer living-learning communities, research opportunities, and internship programs to support undergraduate students.
Etymology
The word “undergraduate” originated in the 15th century, referring to a student who had not yet completed their higher education.
Usage Notes
When referring to an undergraduate student, use the term in its singular or plural form, depending on the context.
Cultural References
- The movie “The Breakfast Club” features a group of high school students, including an undergraduate, navigating social cliques and academic pressures.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The phrase “undergraduate thinking” is often used to describe simplistic or naive ideas or solutions.
Related Words or Phrases
- College
- University
- Degree
Collocations
- undergraduate student
- undergraduate program
- undergraduate degree
Frequency of Use
The term “undergraduate” is commonly used in academic and educational contexts, particularly in the United States and Canada.
Common Misspellings
- undergaduate
- undergradaute
- unndergraduate