graduated

The word “graduated” means having successfully completed a degree or course of study. In plain terms, either finished with a course of study, or arranged step by step (like markings on a measuring cup, or a tax rate that increases in stages).

Here is “graduated” used in a sentence: “She's a graduated nurse now working at the local hospital.”

“Graduated” is an adjective.

“Graduated” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Graduated” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having successfully completed a degree or course of study.

Graduated is an adjective or past-tense form describing someone who has completed a degree, or something marked with a scale. Graduate is the noun for a person who holds a degree and the base verb for the act of completing study.

Graduated means completed a course of study, or arranged and marked in steps. Gradual means happening slowly and steadily over time. The words look alike but describe different ideas.

In formal writing, 'graduated from college' is the traditional and widely preferred form. 'Graduated college,' without 'from,' is common in informal American speech but is often avoided in careful writing.