tripos
C2Formal, Academic (specifically within a Cambridge University context).
Definition
Meaning
The final honours examinations for a BA degree at the University of Cambridge, UK.
The specific system of undergraduate examinations at Cambridge, often subdivided into Part I and Part II; also, a three-legged stool (historical, rare).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term refers to both the examination system itself and the individual exams within that system. Outside of Cambridge, the word is rarely understood or used.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusive to UK usage, specifically to Cambridge University. It has no equivalent in American English for university examinations.
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes academic prestige and the specific tradition of Cambridge. In the US, it is unknown or recognized only as a highly specific British academic term.
Frequency
High frequency within Cambridge University discourse; virtually zero frequency elsewhere, including in the US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to sit/take the [Subject] Triposto read for the Tripos in [Subject]to do well/poorly in the Triposthe [Subject] Tripos is held in [Time]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tripos week (the period when these exams are held)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary and almost exclusive context. Used to discuss Cambridge University's assessment structure.
Everyday
Not used, except by those directly connected to Cambridge.
Technical
Specific technical term within the Cambridge academic system.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He will tripos next summer. (Non-standard, highly informal/unattested)
- She is triposing in History. (Non-standard, highly informal/unattested)
American English
- (Not used)
adverb
British English
- (Not used)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- (Rarely used attributively) The Tripos period is stressful.
- Tripos candidates must register by May.
American English
- (Not used)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is a student at Cambridge University.
- Exams are important at university.
- The final exams at Cambridge are called Tripos.
- She is preparing for her History Tripos next year.
- Achieving a first in Part II of the Mathematics Tripos is exceptionally demanding.
- The structure of the Natural Sciences Tripos allows for considerable specialisation in later years.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TRIPod with an OS (operating system) textbook balanced on it—a student is taking a TRIPOS exam for their Computer Science degree at Cambridge.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IS A JOURNEY/COURSE (as in 'course of study', culminating in the 'Tripos').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'тройка' (the number three or a grade of C).
- Do not confuse with 'tripod' (штатив).
- It is not a generic term for 'экзамен' (exam).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tripos' to refer to exams at other universities.
- Pronouncing it as /trɪˈpɒs/ (like 'tripod').
- Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'I have three triposes').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Tripos'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The equivalent at Oxford is called 'Finals' or 'Honour Moderations' for some subjects. 'Tripos' is unique to Cambridge.
No. It is a highly specialised term known mainly within Cambridge University and those familiar with the UK higher education system.
The name originates from the three-legged stool (Latin 'tripus') that a 'Bachelor of the Stool' sat on to dispute with candidates in medieval Cambridge ceremonies.
Yes. Many Triposes are divided into Part I (typically taken after 1-2 years) and Part II (taken in the final year), each constituting separate examinations and yielding separate class results.