What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lowerclassmen
Example
The lowerclassmen were nervous on their first day of high school. [lowerclassmen: noun]
Example
She is a lowerclassman, so she doesn't have as much experience as the upperclassmen. [lowerclassman: adjective]
freshman
Example
He is a freshman in college and still adjusting to campus life. [freshman: noun]
Example
She is a freshman at this school, so she doesn't know many people yet. [freshman: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Freshman is more commonly used than lowerclassmen in everyday language, especially in high school contexts. However, lowerclassmen is more commonly used in college settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between lowerclassmen and freshman?
Both lowerclassmen and freshman are relatively informal terms, but freshman is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.