College: meaning, definitions and examples

Note that the term is repeated; it has similar uses and meanings as in the first context. Use it to describe a smaller institution compared to a university.

• After high school, I went to college.
• Some colleges offer specialized programs.

Use this term for larger institutions that offer both undergraduate and graduate programs. They usually consist of multiple colleges or faculties.

• She is studying at Harvard University.
• Universities offer a wide range of programs.

Refers to any educational institution but is most commonly used for primary and secondary education. Can also be used to describe departments within a university.

• He goes to school every weekday.
• She is a professor at the School of Business.

Best used to describe specialized schools or organizations focused on research or specific fields of study, such as technology or arts. Often used in the name of the institution.

• The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is very prestigious.
• She is attending an institute for culinary arts.

Use this word when referring to an educational institution that offers higher education, such as universities and community colleges.

• She is studying psychology at the local community college.
• He graduated from a prestigious college last year.

Use this word for a smaller group of people within a larger organization who have been given a specific task or set of tasks.

• The fundraising committee has organized a charity event.
• He is part of the committee that reviews new policies.

This word is best used to describe a formal group that governs or advises a community, organization, or country.

• The city council will vote on the new zoning laws.
• The student council is planning the annual dance.

This word is appropriate when discussing a group of people who manage a company or an organization. It can also refer to a flat piece of material used for certain purposes, but in this context, it refers to a decision-making body.

• The board of directors will meet to discuss the company's future.
• She was appointed to the school board.

An institution of higher education where students pursue degrees, often used in the context of American or Canadian education systems.

• She is planning to attend college next fall
• Many high school seniors are filling out their college applications

To examine something in detail in order to understand it better, commonly used in academic, scientific, and problem-solving contexts.

• The scientist will analyze the data to find patterns
• Before we can fix the issue, we need to analyze the root cause

To determine the significance, worth, or condition by careful study, often used in professional, academic, and project management contexts.

• The manager will evaluate employee performance
• We need to evaluate the project's feasibility before proceeding

To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something, often used in educational, professional, and medical fields.

• The teacher will assess the students' progress
• We need to assess the damage before we can make repairs