graduate
UK[ˈɡrædʒuət]US[ˈɡrædʒuət]
v
To successfully complete a course of study at a university, college, or school and receive a degree or diploma.
n
A person who has successfully completed a course of study and received a degree or diploma.
adj
Relating to or involved in studies done after receiving a first degree.
Morpheme Breakdown
grad
u
ate
grad
step, degree
u
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
The word 'graduate' originates from the Medieval Latin verb graduari, meaning "to take a degree," which itself is derived from Latin gradus (a step, a grade, a degree). The core logic is metaphorical: advancing in education is conceptualized as ascending a series of steps. The suffix -ate transforms the noun concept of a "step" or "degree" into the action of attaining it. Thus, the literal sense of "to step up" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of completing an academic stage and receiving its corresponding credential.
Analysis
Structure: grad (step, degree) + u + ate (verb suffix)
- grad: From Latin gradus (step, degree). In this word, it functions as the core root conveying the idea of a step or stage in education.
- u: A connecting vowel, typical in Latin-derived words.
- ate: A suffix from Latin -atus, used to form verbs meaning "to act in the manner of" or "to become".
Examples
She will graduate from medical school next spring.
The university's newest graduates celebrated at the ceremony.
He is applying for graduate programs in engineering.