NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 88
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Mrs. Bluezette's Grammar Guide
alumnus/alumni/alumna/alumnae, cum
laude/magna cum laude/summa cum laude
It happens every year around graduation time.
Mrs. B hears the Latin words for graduate(s) mangled.
An ALUMNUS (uh-LUM-nus)* is a male graduate.
An ALUMNA (uh-LUM-nuh) is a female graduate.
ALUMNI (uh-LUM-nye) are two or more male graduates OR male
and female graduates.
ALUMNAE (uh-LUM-nee) are two or more female graduates.
There's nothing wrong with changing the copy to "graduate" or
graduates" if that makes you more comfortable.
And whether you're reading a script or making a graduation speech,
you're likely to come across the Latin phrases used on diplomas to
grant special honors for grades above average.
First let's practice how to say the Latin word "laude."
The first syllable rhymes with "cow."
Try it: LAU-dee.
"Cum laude " (coom LAU-dee) literally means "with praise."
"Magna cum laude " (mag-na coom LAU-dee) means "with great
praise."
"Summa cum laude " (soo-ma coom LAU-dee) means "with the
highest praise."
*Note, you Latin scholars, Mrs. B is using the Anglicized Latin pronunciations
.
