Upperclassmen: meaning, definitions and examples

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upperclassmen

 

[ ˈʌpərˌklæsmən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

college students

Upperclassmen refer to students who are in their third or fourth year of college. They are typically more experienced and knowledgeable compared to underclassmen. Upperclassmen often take on leadership roles and mentor younger students.

Synonyms

juniors, seniors, upperclass students.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
upperclassmen

This term generally refers to students in the higher grades of high school or college, often juniors and seniors.

  • The upperclassmen were given the responsibility of organizing the annual school play.
  • Upperclassmen often mentor the younger students, providing valuable guidance.
seniors

This term refers to students in their final year of high school or college.

  • The seniors are preparing for graduation and the challenges ahead in their careers or further education.
  • Senior students often have more privileges and responsibilities within the school.
juniors

This specific term refers to students in the third year of high school or college.

  • As juniors, they began to look at their options for colleges and universities.
  • Junior students are excited for their upcoming senior year.
upperclass students

This term is a formal way of referring to students in the higher grades, typically juniors and seniors.

  • The school developed a leadership program specifically for upperclass students.
  • Upperclass students have the opportunity to take more advanced courses.

Examples of usage

  • Upperclassmen are responsible for guiding the freshmen during orientation week.
  • The upperclassmen organized a study group for the difficult course.
Context #2 | Noun

high school students

In high school, upperclassmen are students in their junior or senior year. They have more privileges and responsibilities compared to underclassmen. Upperclassmen may serve as role models for younger students.

Synonyms

juniors, seniors, upperclass students.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
upperclassmen

This term is generally used in the context of American high schools or universities to refer to students in their third or fourth years. It is a gender-neutral term, regardless of the 'men' in the word.

  • The upperclassmen often mentor the freshmen during their first year.
  • Many of the exciting campus events are organized by upperclassmen.
seniors

Seniors are students in their final (usually fourth) year of high school or university. This term is often used when discussing graduation or final-year responsibilities.

  • Seniors are getting ready for their graduation ceremony in May.
  • Senior students have the privilege of selecting their own project topics.
juniors

This word specifically refers to third-year students in high schools or universities. It is often used when distinguishing between different classes.

  • As juniors, we have to start preparing for college applications.
  • The junior class won the homecoming float competition this year.
upperclass students

Similar to 'upperclassmen', this term is used to collectively refer to third and fourth-year students in high schools or universities. It is gender-neutral and is common in more formal or inclusive settings.

  • Upperclass students are eligible for advanced placement courses.
  • Our university offers special mentorship programs for upperclass students.

Examples of usage

  • The upperclassmen organized the prom committee this year.
  • As an upperclassman, she was eligible to take AP classes.

Translations

Translations of the word "upperclassmen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estudantes do último ano

🇮🇳 उच्च कक्षा के छात्र

🇩🇪 Oberstufenschüler

🇮🇩 siswa tingkat atas

🇺🇦 старшокласники

🇵🇱 uczniowie starszych klas

🇯🇵 上級生

🇫🇷 élèves du dernier cycle

🇪🇸 alumnos de último año

🇹🇷 üst sınıf öğrencileri

🇰🇷 상급생

🇸🇦 طلاب الصفوف العليا

🇨🇿 starší studenti

🇸🇰 starší študenti

🇨🇳 高年级学生

🇸🇮 starejši dijaki

🇮🇸 eldri nemendur

🇰🇿 жоғары сынып оқушылары

🇬🇪 უფროსკლასელები

🇦🇿 yuxarı sinif şagirdləri

🇲🇽 alumnos de último año

Etymology

The term 'upperclassmen' originated in the United States in the mid-19th century to distinguish older students from younger ones in educational institutions. It has since become commonly used in both colleges and high schools to refer to students in their later years of study.

See also: class, classes, classic, classical, classicalist, classification, classifications, classified, classify, classily, classroom, classy, outclass, reclassify, subclassing, unclassified, underclassmen.