sophomore

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word sophomore. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word sophomore, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say sophomore in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word sophomore you have here. The definition of the word sophomore will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofsophomore, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Etymology

From earlier sophumer, from the obsolete sophom, sophum (sophism or dialectical exercise), from Ancient Greek sophism. Likely influenced by Ancient Greek σοφός (sophós, wise) + μωρός (mōrós, fool). Compare oxymoron (literally sharp-dull), a similar contradiction.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈsɒfəmɔː/
  • (file)
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈsɑfmɔɹ/, /ˈsɒfmɔɹ/, /ˈsɔfmɔɹ/
  • (file)
  • (Canada) IPA(key): /ˈsɒf(ə)mɔɹ/
  • (file)

Adjective

sophomore (not comparable)

  1. (US) The second in a series, especially, the second of an artist’s albums or the second of four years in a high school (tenth grade) or university.
    Coordinate term: debut
    The band’s sophomore album built upon the success of their debut release, catapulting them to megastardom.
    • 2016 August 21, Joe Coscarelli, “Frank Ocean Finally Delivers His Album, and a Pop-Up Surprise”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
      “Blonde,” which is spelled “Blond” on the album cover and “Blonde” on Apple and elsewhere, hews more closely to what was expected from a sophomore release by one of the most lauded and enigmatic young singers in pop music.
    • 2021 March 5, Jason Bailey, “Watch These 13 Titles on Netflix Before They Leave This Month”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
      Spike Lee’s sophomore film, after his micro-budgeted and critically acclaimed debut, “She’s Gotta Have It,” was this big, bold ensemble musical set on the campus of a Historically Black College over a busy homecoming weekend.
  2. Sophomoric.

Translations

Noun

sophomore (plural sophomores)

  1. (US, Philippines) A second-year undergraduate student in a college or university, or a second-year student in a four-year secondary school or high school.
    She was very mature for a sophomore and had several friends who were juniors or even seniors.
  2. (US, horse-racing) A three-year-old horse.
    The filly had looked promising as a sophomore, but concerns over her health had prompted the owner to pull her from the season’s early races.

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

Further reading

Anagrams