Alumni vs. Alumnus — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 22, 2024
"Alumni" is the plural form of "alumnus," referring to graduates or former students of a particular school, college, or university. "Alumnus" is singular, denoting one male graduate or former student.
Difference Between Alumni and Alumnus
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Alumni" refers to a group of people who have graduated from or attended a specific educational institution. "Alumnus" specifically refers to an individual male graduate or former student of such an institution.
When referring to a mixed-gender group, "alumni" is the appropriate term. In contrast, "alumnus" is used when specifically talking about one male graduate.
"Alumni" is often used in the context of alumni associations or events that involve multiple graduates. "Alumnus" is used when referring to the achievements or experiences of a single male individual.
"Alumni" can encompass graduates from many years, representing a diverse group. "Alumnus," on the other hand, typically refers to the individual journey or story of one person.
In formal writing and communications from educational institutions, "alumni" is a common term. "Alumnus" is used in biographies, resumes, or when specifically acknowledging the accomplishments of one male individual.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Plural form referring to graduates/former students.
Singular form referring to one male graduate/former student.
Gender and Number
Gender-neutral plural form.
Singular male form.
Context of Use
Alumni associations, events involving multiple graduates.
Specific reference to one male individual's experience.
Representation
Represents a diverse group of graduates.
Represents an individual's journey or story.
Formal Communications
Commonly used by institutions in a general sense.
Used in biographies, resumes, individual acknowledgments.
Compare with Definitions
Alumni
A group of former students from a specific school.
The alumni of the college meet annually for a reunion.
Alumnus
An individual male who has attended a particular educational institution.
As an alumnus, he often visits his old university.
Alumni
Graduates or former students of a particular educational institution.
The university's alumni network spans the globe.
Alumnus
A male graduate or former student of a specific school, college, or university.
He is an alumnus of Harvard University.
Alumni
A collective term for past students or graduates.
The alumni association organized a fundraising event.
Alumnus
A singular term for a male former student.
This award is presented to an outstanding alumnus each year.
Alumni
Individuals who have completed their education at a particular institution.
The alumni contributed to the scholarship fund.
Alumnus
One male ex-student of an educational establishment.
The alumnus gave a motivational speech at the college.
Alumni
Ex-students belonging to an educational institution.
The alumni include several notable public figures.
Alumnus
A single male who has completed his studies at a particular place.
The renowned scientist is an alumnus of this institution.
Alumni
A male graduate or former student of a school, college, or university.
Alumnus
An alumnus (Latin pronunciation: [aˈlʊmnʊs]; masculine) or an alumna ([aˈlʊmna]; feminine) of a college, university, or other school is a former student who has either attended or graduated in some fashion from the institution. The word is Latin and simply means student.
Alumni
An individual alumnus or alumna.
Alumnus
A male graduate or former student of a school, college, or university.
Alumnus
A male pupil or student.
Alumnus
A male graduate.
Alumnus
A student of any gender.
Alumnus
A graduate of any gender.
Alumnus
A pupil; especially, a graduate of a college or other seminary of learning.
Alumnus
A person who has received a degree from a school (high school or college or university)
Common Curiosities
What is the female equivalent of 'alumnus'?
The female equivalent is 'alumna' for one female graduate.
How do you use 'alumni' in a sentence?
"The university's alumni are invited to the annual gala."
What is the plural form of 'alumna'?
The plural form is 'alumnae' for a group of female graduates.
What is an 'alumnus'?
It's the singular form for a male graduate or former student of a school, college, or university.
Can 'alumni' be used for a mixed-gender group?
Yes, 'alumni' is appropriate for groups of mixed gender.
What are alumni associations?
They are organizations formed by former students of an educational institution.
What does 'alumni' mean?
It refers to the plural form of graduates or former students of an institution.
Can 'alumni' refer to female graduates?
Yes, 'alumni' is gender-neutral and can include both male and female graduates.
Is 'alumnus' only for male graduates?
Yes, it specifically refers to one male graduate or former student.
Is 'alumnus' used in formal settings?
Yes, it's often used in formal or official contexts.
Do universities have specific programs for alumni?
Yes, many universities have special programs and events for their alumni.
Can 'alumnus' refer to someone who didn't graduate?
Technically, it refers to former students, not necessarily graduates.
How do you pronounce 'alumnus'?
It's pronounced as uh-LUHM-nuhs.
Why is it important to distinguish between 'alumni' and 'alumnus'?
To correctly refer to individuals or groups based on number and gender.
Is there a gender-neutral singular term like 'alumnus'?
'Alum' is often used as a gender-neutral singular term.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
