extracurricular
ek-struh-kuh-RIK-yuh-ler
/ˌek.strə.kəˈrɪk.jə.lər/
Pursued addition to the normal course of study or academic curriculum.
Refers specifically to voluntary activities organized through a school or institution that sit entirely outside the required subject syllabus.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'extra' meaning 'outside or beyond' and 'curriculum' meaning 'a running, racecourse, or career'. The word gained popularity in American high schools and universities during the late nineteenth century as student clubs organized outside core subjects.
Word relationships
- after-school: 'After-school' focuses strictly on timing, whereas 'extracurricular' focuses on institutional standing and scope.
- curricular: Refers strictly to mandatory coursework required by the core academic syllabus.
Commonly confused with
- co-curricular: Extracurricular activities take place outside the academic syllabus, whereas co-curricular activities complement and integrate directly into the academic syllabus.
Word family
- extracurricularly (adverb): In a manner occurring outside the regular academic course.
Collocations
- extracurricular activities
- extracurricular involvement
- extracurricular program
Example sentences
- "Admissions officers review extracurricular involvement to gauge a student's commitment and interests outside class." College Admissions Context
- "Students who participate in extracurricular pursuits show higher levels of school engagement and social cohesion." Educational Policy Citation
Memory hook
Think EXTRA laps around the running track (currere) after regular gym class ended. Extra track outside class.
When not to use
Do not use for activities that carry academic course credit; use 'co-curricular' or 'elective' instead.
Fun facts
- The term first gained widespread documented adoption in American college catalogs in the 1890s to classify intercollegiate debate and football.
Related words
Explore more words
recreational, excursion, amateur, vocational, curriculum, avocation
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