Definition

1. Noun:
   • A first-class honours degree in two subjects: An academic achievement awarded by some universities, particularly in the United Kingdom, signifying that a student has earned the highest possible grade (first-class honours) in two separate degree subjects, typically studied concurrently.

Usage

• Noun:
  • She graduated with a double first in Mathematics and Physics from Oxford.
  • Achieving a double first is an exceptionally rare and prestigious accomplishment.

Advanced Usage

• The term is most commonly associated with the British university system (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge). It implies a very high level of academic excellence across two distinct disciplines.
• It can sometimes be used informally to describe a person who has earned such a degree.
  • He is a double first from Cambridge.

Variants and Related Words

• First-class honours (degree): The highest classification for an undergraduate degree.
• Joint honours (degree): A degree program combining two main subjects, but not necessarily achieving first-class honours in both.

Synonyms

• Dual first-class degree: A more descriptive synonym.
• First-class double honours: An alternative phrasing.

Notes

• "Double first" is a specific, compound noun. The explanation focuses on this complete term. It is not typically broken down into separate meanings for "double" and "first" in this context.
• This term does not commonly form phrasal verbs or idioms.

Noun

1. a first-class honours degree in two subjects