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Sophomores: meaning, definitions and examples

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sophomores

 

[ ˈsɑː.fəˌmɔːrz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

education

Sophomores are students in their second year of high school, college, or university.

Synonyms

second-year students, underclassmen.

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Word Description / Examples
sophomores

This word is commonly used in American high schools and colleges to refer to students in their second year of study. It's mostly used in informal or casual conversations.

  • The sophomores are looking forward to the upcoming school dance.
  • Sophomores at this university can choose their electives.
second-year students

This is a more formal term that can be used in any education system to describe students in their second year. It's appropriate for official documents or formal discussions.

  • Second-year students are eligible to apply for the exchange program.
  • The curriculum for second-year students includes advanced courses.
underclassmen

This term is used to refer to students in the first two years of high school or college (freshmen and sophomores). It contrasts with 'upperclassmen,' who are in their third and fourth years. It may have a slightly inferior or less experienced connotation.

  • The underclassmen often look up to the upperclassmen for guidance.
  • The event is open to both underclassmen and upperclassmen.

Examples of usage

  • They are no longer freshmen, but they still have a lot to learn as sophomores.
  • Many sophomores struggle with finding a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
  • As sophomores, they start to explore different majors and career paths.
  • Sophomores often face the challenge of adjusting to increased academic rigor.
  • The sophomore class organized a charity event to raise funds for a local cause.

Translations

Translations of the word "sophomores" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alunos do segundo ano

🇮🇳 दूसरे साल के छात्र

🇩🇪 Zweitsemester

🇮🇩 mahasiswa tahun kedua

🇺🇦 другокурсники

🇵🇱 studenci drugiego roku

🇯🇵 二年生 (にねんせい)

🇫🇷 étudiants de deuxième année

🇪🇸 estudiantes de segundo año

🇹🇷 ikinci sınıf öğrencileri

🇰🇷 2학년 학생들

🇸🇦 طلاب السنة الثانية

🇨🇿 druháci

🇸🇰 druháci

🇨🇳 二年级学生 (èr nián jí xué shēng)

🇸🇮 študenti drugega letnika

🇮🇸 nemendur á öðru ári

🇰🇿 екінші курс студенттері

🇬🇪 მეორე კურსის სტუდენტები

🇦🇿 ikinci kurs tələbələri

🇲🇽 estudiantes de segundo año

Etymology

The term 'sophomore' originated from the Greek words 'sophos' (wise) and 'moros' (foolish), reflecting the idea that second-year students have gained some wisdom but still have much to learn. The usage of 'sophomore' to refer to second-year students dates back to the 17th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,568, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.