swotted

Swotted means to study or memorize material with sustained effort, particularly when preparing for an examination. Its typical use is in British and some Commonwealth English, where it often appears in phrases such as “swot for an exam” and “swot up on a topic.” The word is informal but established, and it suggests intensive learning rather than casual reading or a quick review. A student might swot vocabulary, swot quotations for a literature test, or swot up on company facts before an interview. Although it can sound somewhat old-fashioned, it remains a vivid and economical description of committed revision. It is also sometimes used more broadly to mean learning a subject quickly or thoroughly. The related bare form “swot” is now more common than the past-tense form “swotted,” especially in educational and occupational contexts.

To study or memorize something diligently, especially facts or material for an examination.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does swotted come from?

The word is a British English verb meaning “to study or memorize,” with “swotting” traditionally associated especially with preparing for examinations. Its deeper origin is uncertain; the modern verb belongs to a family formed around the base form “swot,” but a well-established cognate or earlier source cannot be confidently identified.

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How swotted is actually used

Informal and chiefly British. It is especially associated with school and university revision and carries a mildly diligent or old-fashioned tone.

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