syllabus
C1Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
An outline or summary of the main topics to be covered in a course of study.
In some contexts, can refer more broadly to any list of subjects or items; also used in a legal or ecclesiastical context for a set of articles summarizing doctrinal points.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. Though it originates from a misreading of Latin, its modern meaning is firmly established. Plural is 'syllabuses' or less commonly 'syllabi'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'syllabus' for a course outline. In the UK, 'module outline' or 'course guide' may be used interchangeably in some institutions. In the US, 'course outline' or 'class schedule' might be used more casually, but 'syllabus' is the formal academic standard.
Connotations
In both, it connotes authority, structure, and official expectations. Slightly more formal and institutional in UK usage.
Frequency
Higher frequency in academic contexts in both regions, with near-identical usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + syllabus: design, create, follow, cover, revise, distribute, publish, stick tosyllabus + [verb]: outlines, covers, includes, specifies, requiressyllabus + [preposition]: for (a course), on (a topic), of (a subject)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stick to the syllabus.”
- “The syllabus is set in stone.”
- “Go off-syllabus.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used; 'agenda', 'project plan', or 'training outline' preferred.
Academic
Primary context. The formal document detailing course objectives, readings, assignments, and schedule.
Everyday
Used by students and teachers discussing school or university work.
Technical
Used in educational theory (e.g., 'syllabus design', 'task-based syllabus').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tutor decided to *syllabus* the new module meticulously.
- They need to *syllabus* the entire year's content.
American English
- The professor is *syllabusing* the course over the summer.
- We should *syllabus* our learning objectives clearly.
adverb
British English
- The course was taught *syllabusly* (non-standard/rare).
- They proceeded *syllabus*-wise (non-standard).
American English
- He taught strictly *according to syllabus* (preferred phrasing).
- The material was covered *syllabus*-fashion (non-standard).
adjective
British English
- The *syllabus* requirements were clearly stated.
- We followed a *syllabus*-based approach.
American English
- She had *syllabus*-related questions on the first day.
- The *syllabus* document was twenty pages long.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher gave us the syllabus on the first day.
- Look at the syllabus to see when the test is.
- Make sure you download the syllabus from the university website.
- According to the syllabus, we have three essays to write this term.
- The history syllabus has been completely revised to include more modern topics.
- Students are expected to be familiar with all the core texts listed in the syllabus.
- The professor's decision to deviate from the prescribed syllabus sparked debate among the faculty.
- Syllabus design requires careful consideration of learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SILLY BUS driver who only drives along a predefined route map—the 'silly-bus' route is your SYLLABUS for the course.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SYLLABUS IS A MAP (it charts the journey through a course).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'силлабус' (a direct transliteration). The Russian 'программа (курса)' is a closer functional equivalent.
- Avoid associating it with 'силлабический' (syllabic), which relates to syllables.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'syllabus' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'there is too much syllabus').
- Plural confusion: 'syllabuses' is standard; 'syllabi' is a hypercorrection but accepted.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'syllabus' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are accepted. 'Syllabuses' is the standard English plural formation. 'Syllabi' is a Latin-based plural (hypercorrection) that is also common, especially in academic circles.
A 'curriculum' is broader, referring to the overall content, philosophy, and structure of an entire programme of study. A 'syllabus' is a specific document for a single course, detailing topics, schedule, and assignments.
It is extremely rare and not standard. In formal contexts, use phrases like 'design a syllabus' or 'create a syllabus' instead.
While a syllabus is a plan and contract, good teachers may adapt it based on class progress, but major deviations should be communicated to students.
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