Definition

1. Noun:
   • An academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred: A formal event, typically held at a school, college, or university, to mark the completion of studies and the awarding of degrees or diplomas to graduates.

Usage

• The term "commencement ceremony" is a formal and specific term for a graduation event. It is used in official contexts by educational institutions.
• It is often simply called "commencement." The word "commencement" itself suggests a beginning, symbolizing that graduation is the start of a new chapter for the graduates.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The university's commencement ceremony will be held in the main auditorium.
  • All graduating seniors must attend the commencement ceremony to receive their diplomas.
  • Her parents flew in to watch her walk across the stage at the commencement ceremony.

Advanced Usage

• "to preside over a commencement ceremony": To be the official leader or host of the graduation event.
  • The college president will preside over the commencement ceremony.
• "commencement ceremony program": The printed schedule or booklet for the graduation event.
  • The valedictorian's name is listed in the commencement ceremony program.

Variants and Related Words

• Commencement (n): Often used interchangeably with "commencement ceremony" to mean the graduation event itself.
  • We have tickets for the commencement.
• Graduation (n): A more general term for the act of completing a course of study or the ceremony marking it.
  • The graduation party is after the ceremony.
• Convocation (n): A formal assembly at a university, which can sometimes refer to a graduation ceremony.

Synonyms

• Graduation ceremony: The most common direct synonym.
• Commencement exercises: A formal, slightly older-fashioned term for the event.

Related Phrases

• To walk at commencement: To participate in the graduation ceremony.
  • She decided to walk at commencement even though she finished her classes in December.
• Commencement speaker: The person who gives the main speech at the ceremony.
  • The famous author was this year's commencement speaker.

Noun

1. an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred