sophomore

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈsɒfəmɔː/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈsɑfmɔɹ/, /ˈsɒfmɔɹ/
  • (Canada) IPA(key): /ˈsɒfəmɔɹ/

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.
    The band’s sophomore album built upon the success of their debut release, catapulting them to megastardom.
  2. Sophomoric.

Translations

Noun

sophomore (plural sophomores)

  1. (US) 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.

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