Gradate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gradate

[หˆษกrรฆdeษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

academic achievement

To gradate means to receive a diploma or degree upon completing a course of study. This term is commonly used in educational contexts to signify the completion of secondary education or higher education, such as universities. Graduating typically involves a ceremony where students are conferred their degrees or diplomas, marking the transition from one level of education to another. People often celebrate this milestone with families and friends, recognizing their hard work and dedication.

Synonyms

complete, finish, graduate.

Examples of usage

  • She will gradate from high school this year.
  • Many students look forward to gradating from university.
  • He plans to gradate with honors.
  • They will celebrate after gradating together.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art

  • In visual arts, artists often use gradation in painting to create depth or focus, making images appear more three-dimensional.
  • Photographers utilize gradation in lighting techniques to enhance the mood and convey emotion in their images.
  • Graphic designers apply gradation in color schemes to guide viewersโ€™ eyes and create visual harmony.

Education

  • In academic contexts, 'gradate' describes the process of progressing from one level of education to another, such as from high school to college.
  • Most educational systems use a gradation approach to assess student performance, utilizing grades to indicate levels of achievement.
  • The term also applies to curricular frameworks where students gradually develop skills, ensuring a steady pace of learning.

Music

  • In music, gradation may refer to changes in volume or tempo, allowing a piece to transition smoothly from loud to soft.
  • Musicians often employ dynamic gradation to evoke emotion, building intensity or easing into softer passages.
  • Composers use gradation techniques to create variations in melody, enhancing the complexity and engagement in their works.

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychology examines how people perceive gradations in stimuli, influencing their emotional responses.
  • Gradation can describe the way humans perceive time, where short and long durations can feel different based on context.
  • The concept is useful in therapy settings, where gradual exposure is used to help individuals confront fears or anxieties.

Origin of 'gradate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'gradate' comes from the Latin 'gradus', meaning 'step' or 'degree', highlighting progression.
  • First documented use in English dates back to the late 19th century, reflecting educational terminology.
  • The term aligns with words like 'grade' and 'graduate', all suggesting movement to higher levels.

The word 'gradate' comes from the Latin word 'gradus', meaning 'step' or 'degree', which is also the root for other educational terms such as 'graduate' and 'graduation'. The usage of the term in English can be traced back to the early 19th century when it began to be associated with completing an academic program and receiving a formal recognition of this achievement. The concept of graduation as a rite of passage has been significant in cultures worldwide, often symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of new opportunities. As education systems have evolved, the term has remained prevalent in both high school and higher education contexts, continuing to denote the formal transition of students into the next stage of their educational or professional journeys.