Matriculate
muh-TRIK-yuh-layt
/məˈtrɪkjʊleɪt/
To enroll as a student in a college or university.
Implies the formal act of registering and becoming an official member of the university, often after being accepted. It's more formal than simply 'enrolling.'
The story behind the word. 'Matriculate' comes from the Late Latin word matricula, which was a diminutive of matrix. While matrix often means 'womb' or 'source,' it also referred to a 'public register' or 'list.' So, to 'matriculate' literally meant to be 'entered on a register' or 'enrolled on a list,' specifically referring to the official list of members of a university.
Word relationships
- Enroll: more general term for registering for a course or institution
- Register: to officially sign up
- Withdraw: to formally leave a program or institution
- Drop out: to cease attending school informally
Commonly confused with
- Graduate: 'Matriculate' is to enroll; 'graduate' is to complete a degree.
Word family
- Matriculation (noun): the act of enrolling as a student
- Matriculant (noun): a person who matriculates
Collocations
- matriculate at
- matriculate into
- matriculate as a student
- matriculating class
Example sentences
- "After careful consideration, she decided to matriculate at the state university." Formal enrollment decision.
- "All incoming freshmen must matriculate by the end of August to secure their spot." Enrollment deadline.
- "He was proud to matriculate into a program with such a distinguished history." Joining a prestigious program.
Memory hook
To MATRICULATE is to become part of the MATTER (the student body) of the university. Matrix of students.
When not to use
Don't use 'matriculate' for enrolling in a high school or a casual course. It's specifically for higher education.
Fun facts
- In some older universities, matriculation ceremonies are still elaborate, formal events.
- The word 'matrix' itself has a fascinating range of meanings, from a mathematical grid to the material in which something is embedded.
Related words
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