Definition

1. Noun:
   • An academic degree conferred on someone who has successfully completed undergraduate studies: A "baccalaureate" is the formal name for a bachelor's degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.).
   • A farewell sermon or address to a graduating class at their commencement ceremonies: A "baccalaureate" is also a religious or spiritual service, often a sermon or speech, held in honor of graduating students.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Academic Degree):

  • She received her baccalaureate in Economics from the university.
  • The program requires students to complete a baccalaureate before applying for the master's degree.

• Noun (Farewell Address):

  • The university chaplain delivered an inspiring baccalaureate to the graduating seniors.
  • Attendance at the baccalaureate service is optional for graduates and their families.

Advanced Usage

• "Baccalaureate degree": This phrase explicitly specifies the type of degree, though "baccalaureate" alone is sufficient.
  • He is pursuing a baccalaureate degree in computer science.
• "Baccalaureate ceremony" or "Baccalaureate service": Refers specifically to the farewell event for graduates.
  • The baccalaureate ceremony will be held in the campus chapel the day before commencement.

Variants and Related Words

• Bachelor's degree (n): The more common, synonymous term for the academic degree.
  • A bachelor's degree is typically a four-year program.
• Baccalaureate sermon (n): Another term for the farewell address.
  • The baccalaureate sermon focused on the theme of service.

Synonyms

• Bachelor's degree: The undergraduate academic degree.
• Undergraduate degree: A degree earned at the undergraduate level.
• Commencement address: A speech at a graduation ceremony (related to, but not identical with, the "baccalaureate" as a farewell sermon).

Related Phrases

(Note: "Baccalaureate" itself is not typically used in phrasal verbs. The related phrases are fixed noun phrases.) - International Baccalaureate (IB) (n): A specific, internationally recognized educational foundation and its programs for students aged 3 to 19, which includes a diploma program for the final two years of high school. - The school offers the International Baccalaureate program as an alternative to the standard curriculum.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms that use the word "baccalaureate.")

Noun

1. an academic degree conferred on someone who has successfully completed undergraduate studies
2. a farewell sermon to a graduating class at their commencement ceremonies