matric: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Educational
Quick answer
What does “matric” mean?
A short form of 'matriculation', referring to the formal process of being admitted to a university or college, or the examination taken for such admission.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short form of 'matriculation', referring to the formal process of being admitted to a university or college, or the examination taken for such admission.
In some contexts, it can refer to the final secondary school qualification or certificate, particularly in South Africa and some Commonwealth countries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'matric' is largely historical/archaic, referring to the old 'matriculation exam'. In American English, it is almost exclusively used as a clipped form of 'matriculation' in university administrative contexts (e.g., 'to matriculate').
Connotations
UK: dated, formal, associated with older educational systems. US: formal, administrative, academic.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. More likely to be encountered in historical texts (UK) or university handbooks (US).
Grammar
How to Use “matric” in a Sentence
to pass one's matricto sit for matricto have one's matricVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matric” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Students would historically need to matric before attending Oxford or Cambridge.
American English
- She will matric at the university in the fall semester.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The matric requirements were quite stringent in the 1950s.
American English
- The matric fee is due upon enrollment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical discussions of education or in specific national contexts (e.g., South African academic papers).
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by older generations in the UK or by people from South Asia/Southern Africa.
Technical
Used in educational policy or comparative education studies referring to specific qualification systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matric”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matric”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matric”
- Using 'matric' to mean any university exam.
- Assuming it is a current, common term in all English-speaking countries.
- Confusing it with 'matrix'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has low frequency and is mostly used in specific national contexts or historical discussions.
No, it would sound very unusual. Use 'high school diploma' or simply 'diploma'.
'Matric' is a clipped, informal form of 'matriculation'. 'Matriculation' is the full, formal term for the process of enrolling in a university.
Rarely. The verb is 'to matriculate'. 'Matric' is primarily a noun.
A short form of 'matriculation', referring to the formal process of being admitted to a university or college, or the examination taken for such admission.
Matric is usually formal, educational in register.
Matric: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmætrɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmætrɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MATRIC' as the 'MATRICulation' ticket you need to enter university.
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATION IS A GATEWAY (matric is the key or ticket through the gate).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is 'matric' a common contemporary term for a final school qualification?