School Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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school

[skuːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

education

An institution for educating children or students.

Synonyms

academy, college, educational institution, university.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
school	Used for basic or primary education institutions for children and teenagers. This is the most general term for places where young people receive education. She walks to school every morning. The school has a large playground.
educational institution	A formal term that can refer to any place where education is provided, encompassing schools, colleges, universities, and academies. All educational institutions must follow safety protocols. The conference was held at one of the city's major educational institutions.
academy	Refers to specialized institutions focused on specific subjects or skills, often at a higher education level or with a focus on excellence and advanced study. He attended a military academy. The science academy offers advanced research programs.
university	Used for higher education institutions that provide undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and engage in extensive research activities. She plans to attend university to study medicine. The university has a world-renowned physics department.
college	Typically used for higher education institutions that offer undergraduate programs. In some countries, it can also refer to secondary education or specialized post-secondary institutions. She graduated from college with a degree in biology. He got a scholarship to an engineering college.

Examples of usage

Jack goes to school every morning.
I have to pick up my kids from school.
She is a teacher at the local school.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

group of fish

A large group of fish swimming together.

Synonyms

group, shoal, swarm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
school	Refers to an educational institution where students learn subjects. It's also used when referring to a group of aquatic animals, especially fish, moving together. She goes to school every day to study mathematics and science A large school of fish swam past the reef
shoal	Specifically means a large group of fish swimming together. Less common in everyday usage compared to 'school.' We saw a shoal of herring gliding through the water Divers stumbled upon a shoal of colorful tropical fish
swarm	Often refers to a large number of insects, especially bees, moving together. It can also describe a large number of people or things moving together, but this usage can carry a slightly chaotic or overwhelming connotation. A swarm of bees surrounded the beekeeper After the concert, a swarm of people headed towards the subway station
group	Describes a number of people or things that are together or considered together. It's used in general contexts. A group of friends gathered at the park for a picnic The teacher divided the class into small groups for the project

Examples of usage

We saw a school of fish while snorkeling.
The school of tuna was an impressive sight.
The dolphins herded the school of fish.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to teach a lesson

To educate or train someone, typically in a formal setting such as a school.

Synonyms

educate, instruct, teach, train.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
school	Refers to an institution where education is provided to students. It can also denote the act of attending or the physical location. Tomorrow, Alice will start school The school was built in 1985
educate	Used when referring to the process of teaching someone, especially in a more formal or comprehensive way. The program aims to educate young people about the dangers of smoking Parents have a responsibility to educate their children
teach	General term for imparting knowledge, skills, or education to someone, which can occur in various settings beyond just a formal school environment. I will teach you how to play the piano He teaches math at the local high school
instruct	Involves providing detailed information or teaching someone how to do something in a specific manner. The coach will instruct the players on their new positions She instructed me on how to use the new software
train	Often used when the focus is on developing specific skills or behaviors through practice and instruction over time. This can be used in various contexts, including sports, work, or animals. They train service dogs to assist people with disabilities She trained for months to run the marathon

Examples of usage

The teacher will school the students on basic mathematics.
He schooled himself on the history of the ancient civilization.
She schooled her employees on proper customer service.

Translations

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

Origin of 'school'

The word 'school' originated from the Latin word 'schola' which meant 'a learned discussion' or 'a lecture'. It evolved through Old English and Middle English to its current usage referring to an institution for educating children or students. Schools have been a fundamental part of society for centuries, providing structured education and training to individuals of all ages.

See also: preschool, schooling, schoolroom, unschooled.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #198, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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195 among
196 government
197 often
198 school
199 process
200 rate
201 came
...