double first
C2Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
A first-class honours degree in two subjects at a British university, especially Oxford or Cambridge.
A person who has achieved a double first; exceptionally high academic achievement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is strongly associated with the UK university system, particularly Oxbridge. It implies not just high marks, but distinction across two distinct fields of study.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively British. The US higher education system does not have an equivalent concept or award, making the term largely unknown in American English.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries connotations of exceptional intellectual ability and elite education. In the US, it would be meaningless without explanation.
Frequency
High frequency in UK academic/elite discourse; virtually zero frequency in general American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + achieve/get + a double first + in [Subject 1] and [Subject 2][Person] + is/was + a double firstVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A brain the size of a planet (informal, hyperbolic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be mentioned in a CV or biography to signal high academic calibre.
Academic
Primary context. Used to describe a specific, prestigious academic qualification in the UK.
Everyday
Very rare. Would only be used in conversation about someone's university achievements.
Technical
Not applicable. It is a fixed institutional term, not a technical one.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She is a double-first graduate from Oxford.
- His double-first status opened many doors.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She worked incredibly hard to get a double first in History and Politics.
- A double first is one of the highest achievements in the British university system.
- Despite the intense workload, he managed to secure a double first in Mathematics and Philosophy, a feat few accomplish.
- Her biography highlighted not just her political career, but her academic prowess as a Cambridge double first.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DOUBLE trophy for coming FIRST in two different races.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IS A RARE TROPHY (won in two categories).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as 'двойной первый'. This is meaningless. Use a descriptive phrase like 'диплом с отличием по двум специальностям' or 'первый класс honours по двум предметам'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'two first-place finishes' in a sports context.
- Using it in non-UK contexts where the educational system is different.
- Writing it without the article 'a' (e.g., 'He got double first').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'double first' primarily used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While other UK universities may award joint or combined honours degrees with first-class results, the specific term 'double first' is traditionally and most strongly associated with the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
Yes, it is considered more prestigious because it represents achieving the highest grade in two distinct degree programmes, which typically involves a significantly heavier workload and broader intellectual mastery.
There is no direct equivalent. The closest concept might be graduating 'summa cum laude' (with highest honour) with a double major, but the systems and prestige markers are not directly comparable.
No, it is exclusively a noun (referring to the degree) or a noun used attributively as an adjective (e.g., 'a double-first student'). It is not used as a verb.