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Extracurricular

eks-truh-kuh-RIK-yuh-ler /ˌɛkstrə kəˈrɪkjʊlər/

adjectivenounB2

academicgeneral

(adj) Activities or subjects that are not part of the regular course of study at a school or college but are often offered by the school. (n) An extracurricular activity.

These activities are outside the formal curriculum but are highly valued by colleges as they demonstrate interests, leadership, and commitment.

The story behind the word. 'Extracurricular' is a compound word formed from the Latin prefix extra-, meaning 'outside,' and curriculum, which comes from the Latin currere, meaning 'to run.' A curriculum was originally 'a running, a course,' referring to a course of study. So, 'extracurricular' literally means 'outside the course of study,' referring to activities that students pursue beyond their required classes.

Word relationships

Co-curricular: sometimes used to imply activities that complement the curriculum, rather than being entirely separate
Non-academic: a broader term for anything not directly related to academic study

Curricular: part of the regular course of study
Academic: directly related to formal study

Commonly confused with

Elective: 'Extracurricular' is outside the curriculum; an 'elective' is a course within the curriculum that students choose.

Word family

Curriculum (noun): the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college

Collocations

extracurricular activities
participate in extracurriculars
school extracurriculars
resume extracurriculars
leadership extracurriculars

Example sentences

"Her extensive involvement in extracurricular activities, like debate club and volunteering, impressed the admissions committee." Importance in college applications.
"The school offers a wide range of extracurricular options, from robotics to drama." School offerings.
"Balancing academics with demanding extracurriculars taught him valuable time management skills." Benefit of participation.

Memory hook

EXTRA-CURRICULAR activities are EXTRA things you do OUTSIDE your regular CURRICULUM. Extra-course activities.

When not to use

Don't use 'extracurricular' for activities completely unrelated to school or personal hobbies that don't involve a school-sponsored group or formal commitment.

Fun facts

Colleges often look for depth of involvement in a few extracurriculars rather than superficial participation in many.
Some universities even offer scholarships for specific extracurricular talents, like music or debate.

Related words

Prospective, Acceptance, Scholarship

Explore more words

recreational, excursion, amateur, vocational, curriculum, avocation

Also appears in

Education & Pedagogy → Extracurricular & Enrichment