ENGLISH
REFERENCE

graduation

n.
US //ˌɡɹædʒəˈweɪʃən// UK //ɡɹˌædjuːˈeɪʃən// grad·u·a·tion
  1. 1 completing studies (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act of finishing your studies at a school, college, or university and getting a degree.

    the successful completion of a course of study at an educational institution, resulting in the conferral of a degree or diploma.

    Example

    After four years of hard work, her graduation from medical school was a proud moment.

    Example

    The university tracks graduation rates over a five-year period to assess the effectiveness of its student support programmes.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process.

  2. 2 the ceremony (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the special event or party where students receive their diplomas.

    a formal commencement ceremony where degrees or diplomas are publicly conferred upon students.

    Example

    The whole family travelled across the country to attend his graduation.

    Example

    The graduation was held in the main auditorium, featuring a keynote speech by a prominent civil rights lawyer.

    Usage

    Commonly used with the definite article 'the' or as an attributive noun like 'graduation ceremony'.

    Teacher's tip

    In American English, 'commencement' is a very common formal synonym for this event.

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  1. 3 measurement marks (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the lines or marks on a container or tool used for measuring things.

    a mark or series of marks on an instrument or container used to indicate a scale of measurement.

    Example

    Check the graduations on the side of the jug to see how much water you need.

    Example

    The technician noted that the graduations on the glass cylinder had faded, making it difficult to record precise volume measurements.

    Usage

    Usually appears in the plural form when referring to the set of marks on a scale.

Origin

From graduate + -ion.

Word family

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