Type in ➚ :
Dictionary Page: Alma Mater

Alma Mater

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɑːlmə ˈmeɪtər/

Definitions

  1. The school, college, or university that one has attended.
  2. The anthem or song associated with a particular school or institution.

Usage Examples

  • She returned to her alma mater to deliver the commencement speech.
  • The students sang the alma mater during the graduation ceremony.

Etymology

From Latin "alma mater," meaning "nourishing mother," used figuratively to refer to a school that nurtures its students.

Synonyms

  • School
  • University
  • College
  • Institution

Antonyms

  • Alumnus
  • Graduate
  • Non-alma mater

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Alma mater /ˈal.ma ˈma.ter/
French Alma mater /al.ma ma.tɛʁ/
German Alma mater /ˈʔalmaː ˈmaːtɐ/
Italian Alma mater /ˈal.ma ˈma.ter/
Portuguese Alma mater /ˈaʊ.mɐ ˈma.tɛʁ/
Hindi आल्मा मेटर /ɑːlmɑː meɪtər/
Arabic ألمى ماتر /ʔalˈmaː ˈmaːtɜr/
Mandarin Chinese 母校 /mǔxiào/
Japanese 母校 /bokō/
Korean 모교 /mo-gyo/
Russian Альма-матер /ˈal.mə ˈma.tər/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "alma mater" tends to vary slightly depending on regional accents, with particular emphasis on how the "a" sound is pronounced. In English, it may be pronounced as "ˈɑːlmə ˈmeɪtər" while in other languages like Spanish or French, it often follows their native phonetic rules.

Historical Usage

The term "alma mater" originates from Latin, where "alma" means "nourishing" or "kind," and "mater" means "mother." It was used metaphorically to refer to a mother who nourishes and raises her child, and over time, it came to refer to an institution, typically a school or university, that nurtures its students. The phrase has been in use for centuries, particularly within educational contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the term "alma mater" carries emotional weight and signifies a deep connection to one's educational roots. It is often used during graduation ceremonies, reunions, or in nostalgic references. The idea of an alma mater as a nurturing, foundational institution underscores the lasting bond students have with their educational experiences.

More Information

Alma mater is not only a term that represents the school or university one attended but also evokes a sense of pride, loyalty, and fondness for one's educational background. The phrase is often associated with alumni groups, school traditions, and the preservation of educational legacy. Many institutions have their own alma mater song or anthem, which is traditionally sung during important school events. This term, rich in historical and cultural significance, reinforces the role of education in shaping individuals and communities.

  1. Home
  2.  › 
  3. language
  4.  › 
  5. marathi-dictionary-translation-meaning-of-alma mater