Semester Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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semester
[sษชหmษstษr ]
Definitions
academic
A period of six months, typically used to refer to the duration of an academic course or program.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| semester |
Used in educational institutions to refer to a half-year term, typically lasting about 15-18 weeks.
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| term |
Commonly used to describe any academic period, especially in British English. Can refer to a semester, trimester, or quarter.
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| session |
Usually refers to shorter periods of academic study, often several weeks long, like summer sessions or winter sessions, or a particular class meeting.
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| trimester |
Refers to a division of the academic year into three parts, each lasting about 10-12 weeks.
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Examples of usage
- The fall semester begins in September and ends in December.
- We have exams at the end of each semester.
- She completed her semester abroad in Spain.
financial
A period of six months used for financial reporting or budgeting purposes.
Synonyms
accounting period, financial period.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| semester |
Mainly used in educational institutions to divide the academic year. Typically, it refers to half of the academic year, usually around 15-18 weeks.
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| financial period |
Similar to 'accounting period,' this term is used in finance and business to define a set time frame for financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis. It can also range from a month to a year.
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| accounting period |
Used in financial and business contexts to refer to a span of time over which financial statements are prepared and evaluated. It can be a month, a quarter, or a year.
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Examples of usage
- The company's revenue has increased compared to the previous semester.
- We need to prepare the financial statements for the first semester.
general
A period of time in a school or college year that is typically divided into two equal parts.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| semester |
A time period in an academic calendar, usually lasting about 15-18 weeks, commonly used in higher education institutions like colleges and universities.
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| term |
A duration of time in an academic calendar, typically used in primary and secondary education. It can also refer to periods within a year in some universities.
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| session |
Generally refers to a specific period or meeting within a larger timeframe, can be a class session, exam session, or a meeting. Not limited to academic context; also used in business and therapy.
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Examples of usage
- The students have different classes in each semester.
- The semester break is a time for students to relax and recharge.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Educational Structure
- Many universities and colleges operate on a semester system, dividing the academic year into two main semesters: fall and spring.
- Some institutions also have a summer semester, allowing students to take extra classes or catch up.
- Semesters often include breaks and exams, which help students manage their learning and rest.
Cultural Insights
- In some countries, like Germany and Sweden, the academic year is divided into two semesters, but starts at different times.
- The semester system has influenced how students plan their studies, internships, and even vacations.
Pop Culture
- The word is often referenced in movies and TV shows set in schools or colleges, portraying student life experiences.
- Several music albums and songs reflect the pressure and excitement associated with a new semester.
Psychology of Learning
- Research shows that students perform better when they have clear breaks and defined periods of study like semesters.
- The semester concept helps in structuring knowledge retention, as concepts are revisited and built upon in a planned way.
Origin of 'semester'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'semestris', meaning 'of six months'.
- In the 19th century, the term began to be used in universities to describe academic periods.
The word 'semester' originated from the Latin word 'semestris', which means 'of six months'. The concept of dividing the academic year into two semesters is believed to have originated in Germany in the 19th century. It was later adopted by educational institutions around the world to organize their academic calendars. The use of 'semester' to refer to a period of six months in various contexts, such as finance and business, has become widely accepted in modern English.