Term vs. Trimester — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 18, 2024
A term refers to the duration of an academic session, typically lasting several months, while a trimester is a division of the academic year into three periods, each lasting about three months.
Difference Between Term and Trimester
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A term is a general time frame used in academic institutions, usually lasting from 10 to 16 weeks. This duration can vary widely depending on the institution and the level of education. A trimester, on the other hand, divides the academic year into three equal parts, each lasting approximately three months.
In higher education, terms often refer to semesters, quarters, or other periods, while trimesters are less common but still used by some schools. Trimesters specifically break the year into three parts, offering a structured approach that differs from the typical semester system.
The use of terms is widespread in universities and colleges, providing flexibility in scheduling and course offerings. Conversely, the trimester system offers a more regimented structure, with students completing three sessions per year instead of two.
Academic performance and workload can differ between these systems. Terms can vary in length, potentially leading to different paces of study, whereas trimesters enforce a more consistent and predictable academic rhythm.
In terms of vacation periods, terms usually have longer breaks between sessions compared to trimesters. Trimesters may have shorter, more frequent breaks, allowing for more regular intervals of rest throughout the year.
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Comparison Chart
Duration
Usually 10 to 16 weeks
Approximately 12 to 13 weeks
Academic Use
Common in universities and colleges
Less common, used by some schools
Structure
Flexible, varies by institution
Divides the year into three equal parts
Breaks
Longer breaks between sessions
Shorter, more frequent breaks
Workload Rhythm
Can vary depending on the institution and level
Consistent, predictable academic rhythm
Compare with Definitions
Term
A fixed period during which an academic session is conducted.
The fall term begins in September and ends in December.
Trimester
A three-month period, often used in medical contexts.
She is in her third trimester of pregnancy.
Term
A word or expression used for a particular concept.
The term biodiversity encompasses various life forms.
Trimester
A scheduling system that divides the year into three parts.
The school operates on a trimester schedule.
Term
The conditions under which an agreement is made.
The contract terms were clearly outlined.
Trimester
One of three periods into which an academic year is divided.
The second trimester starts in January.
Term
A limited or established period of time that something is supposed to last, as a school or court session, tenure in public office, or a prison sentence.
Trimester
A division used in some business or financial reporting.
The company's trimester report showed increased profits.
Term
A point in time at which something ends; termination
An apprenticeship nearing its term.
Trimester
A period of time used for organizing activities or events.
The project is planned in three trimesters.
Term
The end of a normal gestation period
Carried the fetus to term.
Trimester
A period or term of three months.
Term
A deadline, as for making a payment.
Trimester
One of three terms into which an academic year is divided in some universities and colleges.
Term
A fixed period of time for which an estate is granted.
Trimester
A period of three months or about three months; financial quarter.
She is in the second trimester of her first pregnancy.
Term
An estate granted for a fixed period.
Trimester
One of the terms of an academic year in those learning institutions that divide their teaching in three roughly equal terms, each about three months long. Compare semester.
The school operates on a trimester schedule.
Term
A word or group of words having a particular meaning, especially in a specific field
I was baffled by the technical terms that the programmers were using.
Trimester
A term or period of three months.
Term
Terms Language of a certain kind; chosen words
Spoke in rather vague terms.
Praised him in glowing terms.
Trimester
A period of three months; especially one of the three three-month periods into which human pregnancy is divided
Term
Often terms One of the elements of a proposed or concluded agreement; a condition
Offered favorable peace terms.
One of the terms of the lease.
The terms of a divorce settlement.
Trimester
One of three divisions of an academic year
Term
Terms The relationship between two people or groups; personal footing
On good terms with her in-laws.
Term
One of the quantities composing a ratio or fraction or forming a series.
Term
One of the quantities connected by addition or subtraction signs in an equation; a member.
Term
(Logic) Each of the two concepts being compared or related in a proposition.
Term
A stone or post marking a boundary, especially a squared and downward-tapering pillar adorned with a head and upper torso.
Term
An architectural or decorative motif resembling such a marker.
Term
To designate; call.
Term
That which limits the extent of anything; limit, extremity, bound, boundary, terminus#Noun.
"Alright, look...we can spend the holidays with your parents, but this time it will be on my terms."
Term
A chronological limitation or restriction, a limited timespan.
The term of a lease agreement is the period of time during which the lease is effective, and may be fixed, periodic, or of indefinite duration.
Term
Any of the binding conditions or promises in a legal contract.
Be sure to read the terms and conditions before signing.
Term
Specifically, the conditions in a legal contract that specify the price#Noun and also how and when payment#Noun must be made.
The latest models are available now, on the lowest terms you'll find anywhere, guaranteed.
Term
A point, line, or superficies that limits.
A line is the term of a superficies, and a superficies is the term of a solid.
Term
A word or phrase (e.g., noun phrase, verb phrase, open compound), especially one from a specialised area of knowledge; a name for a concept.
"Algorithm" is a term used in computer science.
The noun phrase "red blood cell", the acronym "RBC", and the word "erythrocyte" are synonymous terms.
Term
Relations among people.
We are on friendly terms with each other.
Term
Part of a year, especially one of the divisions of an academic year.
Term
Duration of officeholding, or its limit; period in office of fixed length.
He was sentenced to a term of six years in prison.
Near-term, mid-term and long-term goals
The term allowed to a debtor to discharge his debt
Term
The time during which legal courts are open.
Term
Certain days on which rent is paid.
Term
With respect to a pregnancy, the period during which birth usually happens (approximately 40 weeks from conception).
At term, preterm, postterm
Term
(of a patent) The maximum period during which the patent can be maintained into force.
Term
(mathematics) Any value (variable or constant) or expression separated from another term by a space or an appropriate character, in an overall expression or table.
All the terms of this sum cancel out.
Term
(logic) The subject or the predicate of a proposition; one of the three component parts of a syllogism, each one of which is used twice.
Term
(astrology) An essential dignity in which unequal segments of every astrological sign have internal rulerships which affect the power and integrity of each planet in a natal chart.
Term
(arts) A statue of the upper body, sometimes without the arms, ending in a pillar or pedestal.
Term
(nautical) A piece of carved work placed under each end of the taffrail.
Term
A computer program that emulates a physical terminal.
Term
One whose employment has been terminated
Term
To phrase a certain way; to name or call.
Term
(ambitransitive) To terminate one's employment
Term
Born or delivered at term.
Term neonate
Term
That which limits the extent of anything; limit; extremity; bound; boundary.
Corruption is a reciprocal to generation, and they two are as nature's two terms, or boundaries.
Term
The time for which anything lasts; any limited time; as, a term of five years; the term of life.
Term
In universities, schools, etc., a definite continuous period during which instruction is regularly given to students; as, the school year is divided into three terms.
Term
A point, line, or superficies, that limits; as, a line is the term of a superficies, and a superficies is the term of a solid.
Term
A fixed period of time; a prescribed duration
Term
The subject or the predicate of a proposition; one of the three component parts of a syllogism, each one of which is used twice.
The subject and predicate of a proposition are, after Aristotle, together called its terms or extremes.
Term
A word or expression; specifically, one that has a precisely limited meaning in certain relations and uses, or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or the like; as, a technical term.
In painting, the greatest beauties can not always be expressed for want of terms.
Term
A member of a compound quantity; as, a or b in a + b; ab or cd in ab - cd.
Term
Propositions or promises, as in contracts, which, when assented to or accepted by another, settle the contract and bind the parties; conditions.
Term
In Scotland, the time fixed for the payment of rents.
Term
A piece of carved work placed under each end of the taffrail.
I can not speak in term.
Term
To apply a term to; to name; to call; to denominate.
Men term what is beyond the limits of the universe "imaginary space."
Term
A word or expression used for some particular thing;
He learned many medical terms
Term
A limited period of time;
A prison term
He left school before the end of term
Term
(usually plural) a statement of what is required as part of an agreement;
The contract set out the conditions of the lease
The terms of the treaty were generous
Term
Any distinct quantity contained in a polynomial;
The general term of an algebraic equation of the n-th degree
Term
One of the substantive phrases in a logical proposition;
The major term of a syllogism must occur twice
Term
The end of gestation or point at which birth is imminent;
A healthy baby born at full term
Term
(architecture) a statue or a human bust or an animal carved out of the top of a square pillar; originally used as a boundary marker in ancient Rome
Term
Name formally or designate with a term
Term
A specific duration for which something is intended to last.
The lease term is for one year.
Term
The time period a politician serves in office.
The president's term lasts four years.
Common Curiosities
Do terms or trimesters offer more vacation time?
Terms usually offer longer breaks between sessions compared to trimesters.
What is the main difference between a term and a trimester?
A term is a general academic period, while a trimester specifically divides the year into three equal parts.
What is a term in an academic context?
A term is a period during which academic sessions are conducted, typically lasting from 10 to 16 weeks.
Are trimesters common in universities?
Trimesters are less common than terms but are used by some institutions.
What is the duration of a term in high school?
A term in high school typically lasts around 10 to 12 weeks.
How long is a trimester?
A trimester is approximately 12 to 13 weeks long.
How does the workload compare between terms and trimesters?
Terms can vary in workload, while trimesters typically have a consistent workload.
Do trimesters affect student performance?
The structured nature of trimesters can lead to a more predictable academic rhythm, which may influence performance.
Can terms refer to periods outside of academics?
Yes, terms can refer to periods in politics, contracts, and other contexts.
Are there any benefits to the term system?
The term system offers flexibility in scheduling and course offerings.
Why do some schools prefer trimesters?
Trimesters provide regular intervals for breaks and can help manage workload effectively.
How are terms used in contract law?
Terms in contract law refer to the conditions and duration under which the agreement is valid.
Can a term be longer than a trimester?
Yes, a term can be longer than a trimester, depending on the institution's schedule.
What is a medical trimester?
In medicine, a trimester refers to one of the three stages of pregnancy.
Is a trimester the same as a quarter?
No, a trimester divides the year into three parts, while a quarter divides it into four.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
