[grad.u.ate] n (15c) 1: a holder of an academic degree or diploma
2: a graduated cup, cylinder, or flask
[2]graduate adj (15c) 1: holding an academic degree or diploma
2: of, relating to, or engaged in studies beyond the first or bachelor's degree "~ school" "a ~ student" [3]grad.u.ate vb -at.ed ; -at.ing [ML graduare, fr. L gradus step, degree] vt (15c) 1 a: to grant an academic degree or diploma to b: to be graduated from
2. a: to mark with degrees of measurement b: to divide into grades or intervals
3: to admit to a particular standing or grade ~ vi 1: to receive an academic degree or diploma
2: to pass from one stage of experience, proficiency, or prestige to a usu. higher one
3: to change gradually -- grad.u.a.tor n usage In the 19th century the transitive sense (1a) was prescribed; the intransitive "I graduated from college" was condemned. The intransitive prevailed nonetheless, and today it is the sense likely to be prescribed and the newer transitive (sense 1b) the one condemned. All three are standard. The intransitive is currently the most common, the new transitive the least common.