Definition

1. Adverb: With honor or distinction. Used to indicate a level of academic achievement that is above the average standard for graduation.
2. Adjective: Describing a person or achievement that is with honor or distinction. Used attributively.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in an academic context, especially in the United States, to denote a specific level of honor conferred upon a graduating student.
• It follows the verb or noun it modifies. When used as an adjective, it typically precedes the noun it describes (e.g., a graduate).

Examples

• Adverb:
  • She graduated cum laude from the university.
  • He received his bachelor's degree cum laude.
• Adjective:
  • She is a cum laude graduate in biology.
  • The cum laude distinction is noted on his diploma.

Advanced Usage

• Latin Origin: The phrase is Latin, meaning "with praise." It is one of three common Latin honors in the U.S. system, typically ranking below ("with great praise") and ("with highest praise").
• Contextual Use: The specific grade point average (GPA) required for varies by institution. It is an official academic designation.

Variants and Related Words

• magna cum laude (adv., adj.): With great honor/distinction (a higher level than ).
• summa cum laude (adv., adj.): With the highest honor/distinction (the highest level).
• Latin honors (n. pl.): The category of honors including , , and .

Synonyms

• with honors
• with distinction

Notes

• There are no direct phrasal verbs or idioms associated with this specific Latin phrase. Its usage is fixed within the academic honorific context.

Adjective

1. with honor; with academic distinction
   • a cum laude graduate

Adverb

1. with honor
   • he graduated cum laude