What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
licentiate
Example
After completing his studies in law, he became a licentiate. [licentiate: noun]
Example
She earned her licentiate degree in music from the university. [licentiate: adjective]
graduate
Example
He graduated from the university with a degree in engineering. [graduate: verb]
Example
She received her graduate degree in psychology from the university. [graduate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Graduate is more commonly used than licentiate in everyday language. Graduate is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and is used in both formal and informal settings. Licentiate, on the other hand, is less common and is often used in specific fields such as law or theology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between licentiate and graduate?
Both licentiate and graduate can be used in formal settings, but licentiate may be more formal due to its association with professional licenses and specialized fields.