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scholarship

SKOL-er-ship /ˈskɒlərʃɪp/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

academicformal

Academic study or achievement; learning at a high level; a grant or payment made to support a student's education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievement.

It encompasses both the rigorous academic work itself (the pursuit of knowledge) and the financial aid provided to students based on merit.

The story behind the word. The word 'scholarship' combines 'scholar' and the suffix '-ship.' 'Scholar' comes from the Old English 'scolere,' from Latin 'scholaris,' meaning 'of a school,' ultimately from Greek 'scholē,' meaning 'leisure, discussion, lecture, school.' The suffix '-ship' denotes a state, condition, or quality (like 'friendship'). So, 'scholarship' refers to the 'state or quality of being a scholar' – the pursuit of high-level academic learning, or the financial aid that enables it.

Word relationships

learning: The acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught, broader than scholarship.
erudition: The quality of having or showing great knowledge or learning.
fellowship: A grant or stipend for a scholar or researcher, often more advanced than a typical scholarship.

ignorance: Lack of knowledge or information.
illiteracy: The inability to read or write.

Commonly confused with

education: 'Education' is the general process of receiving or giving systematic instruction; 'scholarship' refers to the high-level academic study or the financial aid for it.

Word family

scholar (noun): a person who specializes in a particular subject or branch of study; a distinguished academic
scholarly (adjective): involving or relating to serious academic study

Collocations

academic scholarship
pursue scholarship
receive a scholarship
merit scholarship
doctoral scholarship

Example sentences

"Her groundbreaking research demonstrated exceptional scholarship and contributed significantly to the field of ancient history." Describing the quality of academic work.
"He was awarded a full scholarship to cover his tuition fees for all four years of his undergraduate degree." A student receiving financial aid.

Memory hook

A 'SCHOLAR' (student) receives a 'SHIP' (financial aid) for their studies. Scholar's Aid/Study

When not to use

Do not use 'scholarship' to refer to general knowledge or informal learning. It implies formal, systematic academic pursuit or the financial support for such pursuit. Also, don't confuse it with 'schooling' which is the general process of attending school.

Fun facts

The Greek root 'scholē' originally meant 'leisure,' reflecting the ancient Greek idea that true learning required freedom from manual labor.