grad·u·ate
ˈgra-jə-ˌwāt
graduated; graduating
1
: to receive an academic degree or diploma
graduated with honors
2
: to pass from one stage of experience, proficiency, or prestige to a usually higher one
graduated to team leader
3
: to change gradually
1
a
: to grant an academic degree or diploma to
b
: to be graduated from
joined the navy after graduating high school
2
a
: to mark with degrees of measurement
b
: to divide into grades or intervals
3
: to admit to a particular standing or grade
Usage 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.
grad·u·ate
ˈgra-jə-wət
-ˌwāt
ˈgraj-wət
1
: a holder of an academic degree or diploma
a college graduate
2
: a graduated cup, cylinder, or flask
grad·u·ate
ˈgra-jə-wət
1
: of, relating to, or engaged in studies beyond the first or bachelor's degree
graduate school
a graduate student
2
: holding an academic degree or diploma
Cite this Entry
“Graduate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graduate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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