Semester: meaning, definitions and examples

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semester

[ sɪˈmɛstər ]

^{Context #1}

academic

A period of six months, typically used to refer to the duration of an academic course or program.

Synonyms

session, term, trimester

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.

^{Context #2}

financial

A period of six months used for financial reporting or budgeting purposes.

Synonyms

accounting period, financial period

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.

^{Context #3}

general

A period of time in a school or college year that is typically divided into two equal parts.

Synonyms

session, term

Examples of usage

The students have different classes in each semester.
The semester break is a time for students to relax and recharge.

Translations

Translations of the word "semester" in other languages:

🇵🇹 semestre

🇮🇳 सेमेस्टर

🇩🇪 Semester

🇮🇩 semester

🇺🇦 семестр

🇵🇱 semestr

🇯🇵 学期

🇫🇷 semestre

🇪🇸 semestre

🇹🇷 dönem

🇰🇷 학기

🇸🇦 فصل دراسي

🇨🇿 semestr

🇸🇰 semester

🇨🇳 学期

🇸🇮 semester

🇮🇸 önn

🇰🇿 семестр

🇬🇪 სემესტრი

🇦🇿 semest

🇲🇽 semestre

Word origin

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.