Graduate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'graduate' to refer to someone who has successfully completed a particular level of education, especially high school or college.

• She is a recent college graduate.
• After years of hard work, he finally graduated.

Use 'alumnus' to describe a male individual who has graduated from a particular school, college, or university. The plural form 'alumni' can refer to a group of graduates. This term is often used when discussing former students.

• He is an alumnus of Harvard University.
• The alumni reunion will be held next month.

Use 'recipient' to describe someone who has received something, such as an award, gift, or degree. This term is broader and can be used outside the realm of education as well.

• She was the recipient of the Nobel Prize.
• The scholarship recipient expressed his gratitude.

Use 'degree holder' for someone who has earned an academic degree from an educational institution. This term is more formal and emphasizes the possession of a degree.

• Companies prefer degree holders for this position.
• As a degree holder in engineering, she has many job opportunities.

Typically used when someone successfully completes a course of study at a school, college, or university. It is often associated with formal ceremonies and achievements.

• She will graduate from Harvard next year.
• After four years of hard work, he finally graduated from medical school.

Used when someone finishes a task, assignment, or course successfully. It is less formal than 'graduate' and applies to various non-academic and academic situations.

• He completed the project ahead of schedule.
• I need to complete this form before the deadline.

A more general term used to indicate the end of any activity or process. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.

• She finished writing her book last month.
• Please let me know when you finish eating.

Primarily used to indicate success in examinations or tests. It implies that a requirement or standard has been met or exceeded.

• He was thrilled to pass his driving test on the first attempt.
• You need to pass all the exams to graduate.