Conclusion
The term “alumnus” is widely used in the academic world, but not everyone is familiar with its meaning and origin. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of alumnus, its associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
An alumnus is a graduate or former student of a school, college, or university. The term is used for both men and women, but the female equivalent is “alumna.” The plural form of alumnus is “alumni,” and the plural form of alumna is “alumnae.”
Origin
The term “alumnus” comes from the Latin word “alumnus,” which means “foster child” or “ward.” In ancient Rome, an alumnus was a person who was raised or supported by someone else. The word later came to mean a student who was supported by a school or university.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an alumnus is “a person who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines an alumnus as “a former student or graduate of a particular school, college, or university.”
Associations
The term “alumnus” is often associated with alumni associations, which are organizations that connect graduates of a particular school or university. Alumni associations may provide networking opportunities, career services, and social events for their members.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for alumnus include graduate, former student, ex-student, and past student.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for alumnus, but some related terms include current student, undergraduate, and student.
The same root words
The word “alumnus” shares the same root as the words “nurture,” “nourish,” and “foster.” These words all relate to the idea of providing care and support to someone.
Example Sentences
- John is an alumnus of Harvard University.
- The alumni association hosts a yearly reunion for former students.
- Mary was proud to be an alumna of her alma mater.
- The university offers career services to its alumni.
- The alumnus made a generous donation to the school.
In conclusion, an alumnus is a graduate or former student of a school, college, or university. The term has its roots in Latin and is used to refer to both men and women. Alumni associations are often formed to connect graduates of a particular school or university. By understanding the meaning and associations of alumnus, we can better appreciate the role that graduates play in the academic world.