curriculum vitae
B2Formal, professional, academic
Definition
Meaning
A detailed written account of a person's education, qualifications, and previous employment, typically sent with a job application.
A comprehensive biographical and professional summary, often used in academic, research, and international contexts to present one's entire career trajectory, publications, awards, and credentials.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often abbreviated as 'CV'. Implies a more detailed and comprehensive document than a simple resume, often extending to multiple pages. In some contexts, it carries a connotation of academic or international use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English and many international contexts, 'curriculum vitae' (CV) is the standard term for a detailed employment history document for all jobs. In American English, 'resume' is the standard term for most private-sector jobs, while 'CV' is reserved for academic, scientific, medical, or research positions and is typically much longer.
Connotations
UK: Standard professional document. US: Specialized, academic, or extensive career summary.
Frequency
Very high frequency in the UK and Europe; common but more specific in US academic/scientific contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
submit [a curriculum vitae] to [an employer]include [a curriculum vitae] with [an application]prepare [a curriculum vitae] for [a position]list [experience] on [a curriculum vitae]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On paper (referring to credentials listed on a CV)”
- “A CV as long as your arm (a very extensive CV)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Required for most professional job applications in the UK and Europe. In the US, used for senior or international roles.
Academic
Essential for applications to university positions, research grants, fellowships, and conferences globally.
Everyday
Commonly discussed when applying for jobs, especially in formal or international settings.
Technical
In HR and recruitment software, often a specific document type distinct from a 'resume'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is busy CV-ing for her job hunt.
- You need to CV that experience properly.
American English
- He spent the weekend CV-ing for academic posts.
- Make sure to CV all your relevant publications.
adverb
British English
- The section was formatted CV-style.
- He presented his career CV-fashion.
American English
- List your experience CV-wise, chronologically.
- She described her role CV-appropriately.
adjective
British English
- The CV workshop is on Tuesday.
- She has strong CV credentials.
American English
- He has an impressive CV-length publication record.
- The application requires a CV-style document.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I am writing my curriculum vitae.
- Please send your curriculum vitae to the manager.
- You should update your curriculum vitae with your new qualifications.
- The job advertisement asked for a detailed curriculum vitae.
- Her curriculum vitae was so impressive that she was invited for an interview immediately.
- Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae and a covering letter.
- Having meticulously tailored his curriculum vitae to highlight his leadership in sustainable projects, he secured a position on the board.
- The selection committee scrutinises not only the publications listed on a candidate's curriculum vitae but also the impact factor of the journals.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Curriculum = course of study, Vitae = of life (from Latin). So, it's the 'course of your life' on paper.
Conceptual Metaphor
A professional life as a documented journey or map.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'автобиография' (autobiography), which is a narrative life story. A CV is a structured, factual list. The direct translation 'резюме' (résumé) is more common in Russian, but 'CV' is also widely recognized in professional circles.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'curiculum vitae' or 'curriculum vita'. Using 'curriculum vitae' and 'résumé' interchangeably without regard for regional norms. Pronouncing 'vitae' as /ˈvɪt.eɪ/ instead of /ˈviː.taɪ/ (UK) or /ˈvaɪ.ti/ (US).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'curriculum vitae' MOST commonly used in American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, a résumé is a concise (1-2 page) summary for most jobs, while a CV is a detailed, comprehensive document for academic or scientific careers. In British English, 'CV' is the standard term for all job applications.
Unlike a résumé, a CV can be multiple pages long to comprehensively cover one's education, full work history, publications, presentations, awards, and other professional achievements.
It is treated as singular. The plural is 'curricula vitae' or more commonly in English, 'CVs'.
It is a common practice, but not strictly necessary, as the content makes the document type obvious. Using your name as the main header is often preferred.
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