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graduated

adj.
US //ˈɡɹædʒəˌweɪtɪd// UK //ɡɹˈædjuːˌeɪtɪd// grad·u·at·ed
  1. 1 having a degree (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes a person who has successfully finished a university degree.

    pertaining to a person who has been awarded an academic degree or has completed a specific level of professional training.

    Example

    The company is looking for graduated engineers with at least two years of experience.

    Example

    The newly graduated nurses were assigned to the emergency ward under the supervision of senior staff members.

  2. 2 marked with measurements (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    having lines or marks on it to show measurements, like a ruler or a measuring cup.

    marked with degrees or other units of measurement for use in precise calculation or volume assessment.

    Example

    Use a graduated cylinder to measure exactly 50ml of water for the experiment.

    Example

    The technician carefully poured the reagent into a graduated beaker to ensure the concentration remained within the specified safety limits.

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  1. 3 arranged in levels (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    arranged in steps or levels, often where the amount or difficulty increases.

    arranged in a series of stages, levels, or degrees of intensity.

    Example

    The country has a graduated tax system where people who earn more pay a higher rate.

    Example

    The government introduced a graduated response to the energy crisis, starting with voluntary reductions before moving to mandatory limits.

    Usage

    Often used in economic or administrative contexts to describe 'graduated taxes' or 'graduated scales'.

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