Alumnus vs. Alumna — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 6, 2024
Alumnus refers to a male graduate or former student; alumna is its female counterpart.
Difference Between Alumnus and Alumna
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Alumnus and alumna are terms that denote individuals who have graduated from or attended an educational institution, with the key difference lying in the gender they refer to. An alumnus is traditionally used for males, whereas alumna refers specifically to females. This distinction is rooted in Latin, where nouns are gendered, and these terms have been adopted into English to differentiate between male and female graduates.
While both alumnus and alumna are used to refer to former students or graduates of a school, college, or university, the choice between them is determined by the gender of the person being referred to. The plural forms also reflect this gender distinction: alumni for a group of men or a mixed-gender group, and alumnae for a group of women.
In contemporary usage, the gender-specific nature of alumnus and alumna is sometimes bypassed in favor of the more gender-neutral term "alum." This shift reflects broader changes in language use aimed at inclusivity and the recognition of non-binary and gender-nonconforming identities.
The adoption of alumnus and alumna into English exemplifies how language can evolve to accommodate cultural and societal changes. While the traditional distinctions between these terms remain relevant in certain contexts, there is a growing preference for language that is inclusive and reflects a diversity of experiences.
Comparison Chart
Gender
Male
Female
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Usage
Refers to male graduates or former students
Refers to female graduates or former students
Plural Form
Alumni (for men or a mixed-gender group)
Alumnae (for a group of women)
Root Language
Latin, where "alumnus" means "pupil" or "foster son"
Latin, where "alumna" means "pupil" or "foster daughter"
Contemporary Use
Increasingly replaced by gender-neutral terms like "alum"
Still used, but alongside more inclusive language options
Compare with Definitions
Alumnus
A male who has attended but not necessarily graduated from a particular institution.
Although he didn't graduate, he is considered an alumnus because he attended for three years.
Alumna
A female who has attended but not necessarily graduated from a particular institution.
She's an alumna of the art school, having taken several classes there.
Alumnus
A male who has graduated from a particular school, college, or university.
He is an alumnus of Harvard University, where he studied law.
Alumna
A female ex-student or graduate who keeps in touch with their alma mater.
She participates in alumna gatherings and supports the college's programs.
Alumnus
A male ex-student or graduate who maintains a connection with their alma mater.
He regularly donates to the university as a proud alumnus.
Alumna
A former female member of a group, company, or organization.
As an alumna of the local theater group, she often helps with their productions.
Alumnus
A former male member of a group, company, or organization.
As an alumnus of the choir, he often returns for reunion concerts.
Alumna
A female who has graduated from a particular school, college, or university.
She is an alumna of Yale University, where she studied biology.
Alumnus
A male former athlete of a sports team.
He is an alumnus of the national soccer team, having played in the 1990s.
Alumna
A female former athlete of a sports team.
She is an alumna of the national basketball team and still holds records.
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.
Alumna
A woman graduate or former student of a school, college, or university. See Usage Note at alumnus.
Alumnus
A male graduate or former student of a school, college, or university.
Alumna
A female pupil or student (especially of a university or college).
Alumnus
A male pupil or student.
Alumna
A female graduate.
Alumnus
A male graduate.
Alumna
A female pupil; especially, a graduate of a school or college.
Alumnus
A student of any gender.
Alumna
A person who has received a degree from a school (high school or college or university)
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
Can women be referred to as alumni?
Yes, "alumni" can refer to a group of graduates that includes women, but "alumnae" is the specific term for a group of female graduates.
What is an alumna?
An alumna is a female graduate or former student of a specific educational institution.
What is the plural form of alumna?
The plural form of alumna is "alumnae," used for groups of women.
What is an alumnus?
An alumnus is a male graduate or former student of a specific educational institution.
Is there a gender-neutral term for alumnus or alumna?
Yes, "alum" is often used as a gender-neutral alternative.
What is the plural form of alumnus?
The plural form of alumnus is "alumni," typically used for groups of men or mixed-gender groups.
Can alumna be used for men?
No, alumna specifically refers to females.
Can alumnus be used for women?
No, alumnus specifically refers to males.
Why are there different terms for male and female graduates?
The terms originate from Latin, which uses gendered nouns, reflecting the language's influence on English.
How do I use alumnus in a sentence?
"He is a distinguished alumnus of our university."
How do I use alumna in a sentence?
"She was honored as an outstanding alumna at the alumni dinner."
Is it important to use the correct term between alumnus and alumna?
Yes, using the correct term respects the gender identity of the person being referred to, although "alum" is a suitable gender-neutral option.
What does the root word "alumnus" mean?
In Latin, "alumnus" means pupil or foster son, which has evolved to mean a graduate or former student.
Can the term alumni refer to all graduates of an institution?
Yes, "alumni" is often used broadly to refer to all graduates, regardless of gender.
What does the root word "alumna" mean?
In Latin, "alumna" means pupil or foster daughter, similarly evolving to refer to a female graduate or former student.
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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.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
