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Alumnus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alumnus

[əˈlʌmnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

education

A male former student of a school, college, or university.

Synonyms

ex-student, former student, graduate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alumnus

Referring to a male individual who has graduated from an institution.

  • John is an alumnus of Harvard University.

Examples of usage

  • He was proud to be an alumnus of Harvard University.
  • The alumnus returned to his alma mater for the reunion.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person who has graduated from a particular course or institution.

Synonyms

ex-student, former student, graduate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alumnus

Generally used to refer to a male who has graduated from a school, college, or university. It's often used in formal contexts.

  • John is an alumnus of Harvard University.
  • The alumni association organized a reunion for the alumni.

Examples of usage

  • She is an alumnus of the culinary school.
  • The company hired an alumnus of a prestigious business program.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, having a strong network of alumni can greatly enhance career opportunities and social connections.
  • Alumni associations often organize events to foster community among former students and to support current students.

Higher Education

  • Universities often use 'alumnus' to refer specifically to male graduates, while 'alumna' is for female graduates, and 'alumni' is the plural for all graduates.
  • Alumni donations are crucial for many educational institutions, helping to fund scholarships, research, and campus improvements.

Pop Culture

  • Famous alumni can significantly raise the profile of their alma mater, often becoming ambassadors for the institution.
  • Movies and books sometimes revolve around reunions of alumni, showcasing their past connections and how they've changed.

Psychology

  • Being part of an alumni network can invoke feelings of nostalgia and belonging, positively impacting mental well-being.
  • Alumni often reflect on their experiences, which can help in their personal growth and identity development.

Origin of 'alumnus'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'alumnus,' meaning 'foster son' or 'pupil,' which emphasizes the nurturing aspect of education.
  • The term was used in Medieval Latin to refer to students, reflecting the close relationship between scholars and their institutions.

The word 'alumnus' originated from Latin and was used to refer to a foster son or pupil. Over time, it evolved to specifically mean a male graduate or former student of a school, college, or university. The term is commonly used in educational contexts to denote individuals who have completed a course of study at an institution.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,688, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.