rhodes scholarship: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “rhodes scholarship” mean?
A prestigious international postgraduate award for study at the University of Oxford, established by the will of Cecil John Rhodes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A prestigious international postgraduate award for study at the University of Oxford, established by the will of Cecil John Rhodes.
A highly competitive scholarship program that selects exceptional young leaders from around the world for fully-funded study at Oxford University, with the aim of fostering public service and international understanding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties as it refers to a specific, internationally recognized institution.
Connotations
Connotes extreme academic prestige, leadership potential, and a legacy associated with British imperialism (Cecil Rhodes). The historical connotations are increasingly discussed.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to the scholarship's location, but it is a well-known term in US academic and elite circles.
Grammar
How to Use “rhodes scholarship” in a Sentence
[Person] was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study [Subject] at Oxford.[Person], a Rhodes Scholar, went on to [Achievement].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rhodes scholarship” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was Rhodes-Scholar-ed in 2010. (Informal/rare)
- She hopes to Rhodes her way to Oxford. (Informal/jocular)
American English
- He Rhodes-Scholared at Oxford before law school. (Informal)
- She's trying to Rhodes Scholarship her path to a political career. (Informal/jocular)
adjective
British English
- The Rhodes-Scholar network is very influential.
- He has a Rhodes-Scholar pedigree.
American English
- She comes from a Rhodes Scholar background.
- It was a Rhodes Scholar-level achievement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. May appear in biographies of high-profile leaders.
Academic
Common in contexts discussing elite education, postgraduate funding, and leadership development.
Everyday
Very rare. Known generally as a mark of exceptional achievement.
Technical
Used specifically in the field of higher education administration and scholarship advising.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rhodes scholarship”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rhodes scholarship”
- Incorrect: 'He got a rhodes scholarship.' (Correct: 'He got a Rhodes Scholarship.')
- Incorrect: 'She is a Rhodes Scholarship.' (Correct: 'She is a Rhodes Scholar.')
- Incorrect: 'Rhode's Scholarship' (misplaced apostrophe).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Cecil John Rhodes was a British businessman, mining magnate, and politician in southern Africa who founded the De Beers diamond company. He established the scholarship through his will, and his colonial legacy is a subject of ongoing debate.
Eligibility rules vary by constituency, but generally, you may only apply once from the country where you are a citizen or permanent resident.
Rhodes Scholars can pursue most full-time postgraduate degrees offered at the University of Oxford, including second BAs, master's degrees, and doctorates (DPhils).
No, it is international. There are specific constituencies (countries or regions) from which candidates are selected, covering most of the world, including a global scholarship for other countries not listed.
A prestigious international postgraduate award for study at the University of Oxford, established by the will of Cecil John Rhodes.
Rhodes scholarship is usually formal, academic in register.
Rhodes scholarship: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrəʊdz ˌskɒləʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈroʊdz ˌskɑːlərʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Roads to Oxford' – a Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious road to studying at Oxford University.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GOLDEN TICKET (to opportunity and prestige), A BADGE OF HONOUR.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Rhodes Scholar'?