graduated

[ graj-oo-ey-tid ]
/ ˈgrædʒ uˌeɪ tɪd /

adjective

characterized by or arranged in degrees, especially successively, as according to height, depth, or difficulty: a graduated series of lessons.
marked with divisions or units of measurement.
(of a bird's tail) having the longest feathers in the center, the others being successively shorter.
(of a tax) increasing along with the taxable base: a graduated income tax.

Origin of graduated

First recorded in 1645–55; graduate + -ed2

OTHER WORDS FROM graduated

non·grad·u·at·ed, adjective o·ver·grad·u·at·ed, adjective un·grad·u·at·ed, adjective

Definition for graduated (2 of 2)

Origin of graduate

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin graduātus (past participle of graduāre), equivalent to grad(us) grade, step + -u- thematic vowel + -ātus -ate1

usage note for graduate

In the sense “to receive a degree or diploma” graduate followed by from is the most common construction today: Her daughter graduated from Yale in 1981. The passive form was graduated from, formerly insisted upon as the only correct pattern, has decreased in use and occurs infrequently today: My husband was graduated from West Point last year.
Even though it is condemned by some as nonstandard, the use of graduate as a transitive verb meaning “to receive a degree or diploma from” is increasing in frequency in both speech and writing: The twins graduated high school in 1974.

OTHER WORDS FROM graduate

grad·u·a·tor, noun non·grad·u·ate, noun su·per·grad·u·ate, noun un·grad·u·at·ing, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for graduated

British Dictionary definitions for graduated

graduate

noun (ˈɡrædjʊɪt)

verb (ˈɡrædjʊˌeɪt)

Derived forms of graduate

graduator, noun

Word Origin for graduate

C15: from Medieval Latin graduārī to take a degree, from Latin gradus a step

Medical definitions for graduated

graduated
[ grăjōō-ā′tĭd ]

adj.

Marked with or divided into intervals, as of volume or temperature, for use in measurement.

Scientific definitions for graduated

graduated
[ grăjōō-ā′tĭd ]

Divided into or marked with intervals indicating measures, as of length, volume, or temperature.