Word: Schoolboy
Definition: A "schoolboy" is a noun that refers to a boy who is currently attending school.
Usage Instructions: You can use "schoolboy" to talk about younger boys in an educational setting. It is often used in contexts related to primary or secondary education, but not typically for boys who are in college or university.
Example Sentence: - "The schoolboy carried his backpack filled with books to class."
Advanced Usage: In literature or discussions, "schoolboy" can also be used to describe someone's behavior or attitude that is immature or reminiscent of a young boy.
Example Sentence: - "His schoolboy enthusiasm for the project was infectious."
Word Variants: - "Schoolgirl" (the female equivalent of a schoolboy). - "Schoolboys" (the plural form).
Different Meaning: In some contexts, "schoolboy" can be used to refer to a male student in a more general sense. It can also imply a certain innocence or naivety associated with youth.
Synonyms: - Student (though this is gender-neutral) - Pupil - Scholar (more formal)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: While there are no specific idioms that use the word "schoolboy," you might come across phrases like "schoolboy error," which means a simple mistake that a young or inexperienced person might make.
Example of Idiom: - "He made a schoolboy error in the math test, forgetting to carry the one."
Phrasal Verb: There are no specific phrasal verbs that include "schoolboy," but you can use verbs like "to school" (meaning to educate someone) in other contexts.