Swotting: meaning, definitions and examples

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swotting

 

[ swɒtɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

studying

To study intensively, especially for an examination.

Synonyms

cram, mug up, study intensively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swotting

Duplicate entry.

cram

Frequently used in both British and American English to indicate studying a large amount of material in a short period of time, often just before an exam. It sometimes implies a sense of desperation or last-minute effort.

  • He tried to cram all the information into his head the night before the test.
  • I need to cram for my math exam tonight.
study intensively

A more formal and neutral term for dedicating a lot of effort and time to studying, often implying thorough and focused learning. It can apply to any context where serious academic preparation is required.

  • He has been studying intensively for his medical exams.
  • She studied intensively over the summer to catch up with her classmates.
mug up

Informal British English for studying hard, especially to memorize facts. It is often used when someone is preparing for an exam or an important event where detailed knowledge is required.

  • I have to mug up on my Spanish vocabulary before the test.
  • She stayed up late mugging up on the history of art.

Examples of usage

  • I have been swotting for my final exams all week.
  • She swotted for hours to prepare for the test.
Context #2 | Noun

British

A period of study, typically intense and focused, especially in preparation for an examination.

Synonyms

cramming session, intensive study, revision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swotting

Used informally, often in British English, to describe the act of studying hard, usually for an exam. It can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying excessive or overly diligent study.

  • She was swotting all night for her final exams
  • He's known for his swotting, always buried in books
cramming session

Usually refers to a specific and often intense period of study right before an exam or important test. This term is informal and can sometimes suggest a lack of proper preparation over time.

  • We had a cramming session the night before our math exam
  • The library was packed with students having cramming sessions before finals week
intensive study

Describes a focused and rigorous period of studying a particular subject, often over a short time. It is generally used in a neutral or positive sense to denote serious and concentrated effort.

  • She engaged in intensive study to master the new material
  • The program includes two weeks of intensive study sessions
revision

Commonly used in British English to describe the process of reviewing and studying material that has already been learned, typically in preparation for an exam. It has a neutral connotation.

  • I've scheduled a weekend full of revision for my biology exam
  • Revision is crucial if you want to remember all the details

Examples of usage

  • She's in her room having a swot.
  • I spent the whole weekend doing a swot for my upcoming exams.

Translations

Translations of the word "swotting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estudar intensamente

🇮🇳 गहन अध्ययन

🇩🇪 intensives Lernen

🇮🇩 belajar intensif

🇺🇦 інтенсивне навчання

🇵🇱 intensywne uczenie się

🇯🇵 猛勉強

🇫🇷 étudier intensivement

🇪🇸 estudiar intensamente

🇹🇷 yoğun ders çalışma

🇰🇷 집중 공부

🇸🇦 الدراسة المكثفة

🇨🇿 intenzivní studium

🇸🇰 intenzívne štúdium

🇨🇳 刻苦学习

🇸🇮 intenzivno učenje

🇮🇸 ákafur lestur

🇰🇿 қарқынды оқу

🇬🇪 გულმოდგინედ სწავლა

🇦🇿 intensiv öyrənmə

🇲🇽 estudiar intensamente

Etymology

The term 'swotting' originated in British English in the early 19th century and was initially used to describe intense studying or cramming sessions. It is believed to have derived from the slang term 'swot,' meaning a person who studies hard or a grind. Over time, 'swotting' has become a common term in British educational settings to refer to intense study sessions, particularly in preparation for exams.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,205, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.