Graduate

v.hopeful, capableprofessional

Meaning 1

To complete a course of study and receive an academic degree or diploma.

Reach for it when marking verified completion of an educational program

The first cohort will graduate from the nursing program in June.

everyday
finish university
plain language should name completion of higher education
not when It excludes school, college, and vocational programs and may not imply a credential.
professional
complete the program
all required work is done regardless of credential type
not when Completion does not guarantee that an institution awarded a degree.
professional
earn a degree
the formal credential itself must be explicit
not when The phrase does not fit a diploma, certificate, or nonacademic program.
professional
qualify
required standards for a role or next step have been met
not when Qualification may come through an exam or experience without graduation.

To advance from one level, stage, or tool to a more developed one.

Reach for it when describing earned progression beyond an earlier stage

After supervised practice, the trainees graduated to independent repairs.

playful
move up
informal wording suits a simple change of level
not when Move up can imply promotion or physical movement instead of mastery.
everyday
progress
gradual improvement toward the next stage matters
not when Progress can occur without crossing a clear threshold.
professional
advance
movement to a higher level is the central fact
not when Advance may result from selection rather than completed development.
professional
transition
change between stages needs neutral language
not when Transition does not by itself mean the new stage is higher or earned.

graduate from college
She will graduate from college after completing the placement.
graduate with honors
Three students graduate with honors this spring.
graduate to
Most readers graduate to the full manual after the quick guide.