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Word: Alumni

History and Origins:

The word alumni is derived from the Latin alumnus, meaning “foster son” or “pupil,” and is related to the verb alere, which means “to nourish” or “to feed.” Historically, alumni referred to former students of a school or university who had been “nourished” by the institution. The term has been used in English since the 18th century, with alumna being the female form and alumnae the plural for women.

Definitions and Meaning in English:

1. Alumni (plural) refers to the collective group of individuals who have graduated or formerly attended a particular school, college, or university.
2. In a broader sense, alumni can refer to former members or participants of any organization or group, not just academic institutions.

Detailed Explanation:

The term alumni is typically used to describe former students of an educational institution. When referring to a group of both men and women, alumni is the correct term; for a group of women, alumnae is used. The word can also apply to former members of any organization, such as alumni of a professional association, sports team, or even a social group. Alumni often maintain connections with their alma mater through reunions, alumni networks, or giving back through donations. The plural form of alumnus can refer to groups of former students, regardless of gender.

Example Sentences:

1. The university’s alumni association hosts events for graduates to reconnect and network.
2. As an alumna, she proudly supports her college’s scholarship fund.
3. The alumni of the program gathered for a celebration of its 50th anniversary.

Synonyms with Short Explanations:

1. Graduate – A person who has completed a course of study and has received a degree or diploma from an educational institution.
2. Former student – An individual who once attended an educational institution, similar to alumni but not necessarily having graduated.
3. Old boy/old girl – Informal terms, particularly used in British English, referring to alumni of a particular school, especially from prestigious institutions.

Related Words with Short Explanations:

1. Alumna – The female singular form of alumni, referring to a woman who has attended or graduated from an institution.
2. Alumnae – The plural form of alumna, referring to a group of women alumni.
3. Reunion – An event where alumni gather to reconnect with former classmates and celebrate their shared experiences.

More Matches with Short Explanations:

1. Mentor – An alumnus who provides guidance or advice to current students or fellow alumni.
2. Endowment – Financial donations, often from alumni, used to support a school or university’s programs.
3. Network – A group of alumni who maintain professional or social connections, often used to describe alumni associations.

Antonyms:

1. Current student – A person who is presently enrolled in an educational institution, in contrast to an alumnus.
2. Undergraduate – A student who has not yet completed a degree program, as opposed to an alumnus who has already graduated.
3. Newcomer – A person who is new to a particular institution or organization, unlike alumni who have been part of it in the past.