graduand

English

Etymology

Attested since 1882. From Medieval Latin graduandus, gerundive of graduō (“to graduate”).^[1]

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɡɹæd͡ʒuːˌænd/, /ɡɹædjuːˈænd/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

Noun

graduand (plural graduands)

2. (British, Canada) A student who has completed the requirements for, but has not yet been awarded, a particular degree.
   • 2005, Mike Amos, Proud Return of the Pigeon Boy, Northern Echo (Darlington, UK); Jul 14, 2005.^[2]

     In order to add jollity to the proceedings, said the dean, each graduand would find beneath his seat a little tub of bubbles, complete with mortar board cap.

Usage notes

A rather specialized term: since degrees are generally awarded shortly after requirements have been completed, this is generally a very short-term status (weeks to months), quickly changing to graduate. Primarily used to refer to students at graduation ceremonies (as in the quote above), in Britain and similar Commonwealth school systems (Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Namibia, Singapore). It has important legal implications for certain disciplines; for example, medical graduands are able to be registered to practise, and commence work as junior medical officers, before officially graduating at a ceremony which may occur some six months later.

In the US, the general term student is generally used instead.

Coordinate terms

• graduate

References

1. “graduand”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
2. graduand, A.Word.A.Day