What does undergraduate mean?
An undergraduate is a student who is pursuing a first degree at a university or college. This typically involves completing a three- or four-year course of study, after which the student is awarded a bachelor's degree. Undergraduates are often referred to as 'undergrads' or 'first-years.' They are usually between the ages of 18 and 22, although some may be older or younger. Undergraduates are an integral part of university life, participating in academic and extracurricular activities, and often living in dormitories or shared accommodation. The undergraduate experience is a time of personal growth, academic development, and socialization, and is often seen as a formative period in a person's life.
noun
A student who is pursuing a first degree at a university or college, typically after completing secondary education.
- 1. A student who is pursuing a first degree at a university or college.
"She is an undergraduate studying English literature at Oxford University."
"She is an undergraduate studying English literature at Oxford University."
"He is an undergraduate majoring in computer science at a local university."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of undergraduate
The word 'undergraduate' comes from the Latin 'subgraduare,' meaning 'to step under.' It was first used in the 15th century to describe students who were pursuing a degree at a university. The term 'undergraduate' has been in use since the 17th century, and has been adopted in many English-speaking countries.
Usage notes
The term 'undergraduate' is often used in formal and informal contexts, and is commonly used in academic and educational settings. It is also used in everyday conversation to refer to students who are pursuing a degree. The term 'undergraduate' is often contrasted with 'graduate,' which refers to students who have completed a higher degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree.