A1 noun Neutral #1,446 most common

graduation

/ˌɡrædʒ.uˈeɪ.ʃən/

Graduation is the official ceremony or process of completing a course of study at a school, college, or university. It is the moment when a student receives a diploma or degree to show they have finished their education.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I am buying a new suit for my graduation next week.

I am buying a new suit for my graduation next week.

2

The university cordially invites you to the annual graduation ceremony.

The university cordially invites you to the annual graduation ceremony.

3

I can't wait for graduation so we can finally party!

I can't wait for graduation so we can finally party!

Word Family

Noun
graduation
Verb
graduate
Adjective
graduating
Related
graduate
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'grad' in graduation as taking a 'grade' or a 'step' (Latin: gradus) to finish your journey. You are moving to the next level.

Quick Quiz

My parents are very proud and are coming to my ______ ceremony tomorrow.

Correct!

The correct answer is: graduation

Examples

1

I am buying a new suit for my graduation next week.

everyday

I am buying a new suit for my graduation next week.

2

The university cordially invites you to the annual graduation ceremony.

formal

The university cordially invites you to the annual graduation ceremony.

3

I can't wait for graduation so we can finally party!

informal

I can't wait for graduation so we can finally party!

4

Students must complete all credits before they can apply for graduation.

academic

Students must complete all credits before they can apply for graduation.

5

We are looking for new employees who are available immediately after graduation.

business

We are looking for new employees who are available immediately after graduation.

Word Family

Noun
graduation
Verb
graduate
Adjective
graduating
Related
graduate

Common Collocations

graduation ceremony graduation ceremony
high school graduation high school graduation
graduation party graduation party
college graduation college graduation
graduation speech graduation speech

Common Phrases

the class of [year]

the group of students graduating in a specific year

life after graduation

the time period after finishing school

graduation day

the day the ceremony takes place

Often Confused With

graduation vs commencement

Commencement is a formal name for the ceremony, whereas graduation can refer to either the ceremony or the act of finishing studies.

graduation vs grade

A grade is a score or a year level, but graduation is the end of the entire program.

📝

Usage Notes

Graduation is a countable noun when referring to specific ceremonies, but can be uncountable when referring to the general concept of finishing school. In the US, it is used for all levels (high school, college), while in some other countries, it is mainly for universities.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'make a graduation' instead of 'have a graduation' or 'attend a graduation.' Another mistake is forgetting the preposition 'from' when using the related verb (e.g., 'graduate from university').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'grad' in graduation as taking a 'grade' or a 'step' (Latin: gradus) to finish your journey. You are moving to the next level.

📖

Word Origin

From the Medieval Latin word 'graduatio', which comes from 'gradus' meaning 'a step' or 'a degree'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: graduation (singular), graduations (plural) Often used with the preposition 'after' (e.g., after graduation)
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, students wear a square hat called a mortarboard and a long robe called a gown during the ceremony.

Quick Quiz

My parents are very proud and are coming to my ______ ceremony tomorrow.

Correct!

The correct answer is: graduation

More Education words

study

A1

A study is a room in a house used for quiet work, reading, or writing. It can also refer to a detailed piece of research or investigation into a specific subject or problem.

teach

A1

To provide knowledge, instruction, or skills to someone else. It involves explaining a subject or showing a person how to perform a specific action or task.

lesson

A1

A lesson is a specific period of time during which a person is taught a particular skill or subject by a teacher. It can also refer to an important piece of information or a moral principle learned through experience.

subject

A1

A branch of knowledge studied in a school, college, or university. It refers to the specific area of learning that a student focuses on during a class or course.

grade

A1

A mark or score given to a student's work to show how good it is. It also refers to a particular level or year in a school system.

semester

A1

A semester is one of the two main periods into which a school or university year is divided. It usually lasts between 15 and 18 weeks and ends with final exams.

math

A1

Math is the study of numbers, shapes, and patterns using logic and specific rules. It is a fundamental subject in schools where students learn how to count, calculate, and solve problems.

physics

A1

Physics is the branch of science that studies matter, energy, and how they interact. It explains how things move and how the universe works, including concepts like gravity, light, and heat.

textbook

A1

A textbook is a book that contains standard information about a specific subject used by students for study. It is typically used in schools, colleges, and universities to guide the learning process through structured chapters.

eraser

A1

An eraser is a small tool, often made of rubber or plastic, used to remove marks made by pencils or pens. It is a common piece of stationery found in classrooms and offices for correcting mistakes on paper or whiteboards.

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