Definitions
- Referring to a student in their first or second year of high school or college. - Talking about a student who is not yet a senior or upperclassman. - Describing a student who is still adjusting to the academic and social environment of their school.
- Referring to a student in their first year of high school or college. - Talking about a student who is new to the academic and social environment of their school. - Describing a student who is still adjusting to the expectations and demands of their school.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to students in their early years of high school or college.
- 2Both words describe students who are still adjusting to the academic and social environment of their school.
- 3Both words are used to distinguish students from upperclassmen or seniors.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Lowerclassman is more commonly used in college settings, while freshman is more commonly used in high school settings.
- 2Gender: Lowerclassman is gender-neutral, while freshman traditionally refers to male students (although it is now commonly used for all genders).
- 3Connotation: Lowerclassman can imply a sense of hierarchy or status, while freshman is more neutral.
- 4Plural form: Lowerclassman has two acceptable plural forms (lowerclassmen and lowerclasspeople), while freshman has only one (freshmen).
Remember this!
Lowerclassman and freshman both refer to students in their early years of high school or college who are still adjusting to the academic and social environment of their school. However, lowerclassman is more commonly used in college settings and implies a sense of hierarchy or status, while freshman is more commonly used in high school settings and is more neutral in connotation.
