What is the Difference Between Alumnus and Alumni?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between "alumnus" and "alumni" lies in their plurality and gender. Here is a breakdown of the terms:
- Alumnus: This term refers to a singular male graduate or a former student of a particular educational institution.
- Alumni: This term refers to a plural group of male graduates or a mixed-gender group of graduates.
In addition to these terms, there are other variations based on gender and plurality:
- Alumna: This term refers to a singular female graduate.
- Alumnae: This term refers to a plural group of female graduates.
- Alum: This term is gender-neutral and can refer to a singular graduate.
- Alums: This term is plural and gender-neutral, referring to a group of graduates.
In professional settings, it is recommended to use the proper Latin terms "alumnus" and "alumni" for a singular male graduate and a group of male graduates, respectively. However, in casual conversations, the terms "alum" and "alums" can be used as gender-neutral alternatives.
Comparative Table: Alumnus vs Alumni
Here is a table comparing the differences between "alumnus" and "alumni":
Term | Singular | Plural | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Alumnus | Yes | No | Single male graduate |
Alumni | No | Yes | Group of male or gender-neutral graduates; can also refer to a group of both male and female graduates |
Alumnus refers to a single male graduate, while alumni refers to a group of male graduates or a mixed-gender group of graduates. In summary:
- Use "alumnus" when referring to one male graduate.
- Use "alumni" when referring to a group of graduates, regardless of their gender.
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