graduate

³grad·u·ate

verb \ˈgra-jə-ˌwāt\

grad·u·at·edgrad·u·at·ing

Definition of GRADUATE

transitive verb

1

a : to grant an academic degree or diploma to b : to be graduated from

2

a : to mark with degrees of measurement b : to divide into grades or intervals

3

: to admit to a particular standing or grade

intransitive verb

1

: to receive an academic degree or diploma

2

: to pass from one stage of experience, proficiency, or prestige to a usually higher one

3

: to change gradually

— grad·u·a·tor \-ˌwā-tər\ noun

Usage Discussion of GRADUATE

In the 19th century the transitive sense (1a) was prescribed; the intransitive <I graduated from college> was condemned. The intransitive prevailed nonetheless, and today it is the sense likely to be prescribed and the newer transitive sense (1b) <she graduated high school> the one condemned. All three are standard. The intransitive is currently the most common, the new transitive the least common.

Examples of GRADUATE

1. He graduated from the university last June.
2. They both graduated with honors.
3. She graduated with a degree in history.
4. He joined the navy after graduating from high school.
5. a graduating class of 300 students
6. He joined the navy after graduating high school.
7. The word has graduated from slang to accepted use.
8. My nephew has graduated from baby food to solid food.

Origin of GRADUATE

Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduatus, past participle of graduare, from Latin gradus step, degree

First Known Use: 15th century