The american word for pupil

“Pupil” and “Student” are often considered to be synonyms. However, there are some variations, some small differences, both in meaning and usage.

Especially when you consider British English and American English, “Pupil” and “Student” aren’t quite the same.

Let’s take a closer look at both words, to understand better.

“Pupil” is much more frequently used in British English, than in American English. It relates, most frequently, to small children or learners that require more support, help and supervision from teachers and instructors. “Student” is used in the US with a broad meaning, to indicate any “Student” of any age.

Take a look at the examples below:

• The pupils were excited about the beginning of the school year.
• The students were excited about the beginning of the school year.
• The pupils were being taught about genetics.
• The students were being taught about genetics.

As you can see by the sentences, “Pupil” and “Student” convey virtually the same meaning. The difference in use is indeed cultural and relates to speaking habits from the UK and the US.

You should keep that in mind when addressing an audience. Are they British? Are they American? You might want to take that into consideration when choosing between the words “Pupil” and “Student”

Pupil

A “Pupil” is basically someone who’s being taught, who’s in the process of learning something. Usually, in the UK, it refers to small children, very young learners, who tend to need a lot of support and supervision.

In The Cambridge Dictionary we find a definition that corroborates that thought. But it expands the idea, stating that learners of art and music are also frequently called “Pupils”.

The examples below show the correct use of “Pupil” in a sentence:

1. Benjamin was the best pupil Mr. Soros had.
2. It’s a teacher’s job to correct and teach their pupils.
3. The pupil was dedicated to understanding the subject being taught.
4. Melissa was no longer a pupil of Johnsons’.
5. Although Dr. Reid’s pupils were very bright, they were often disrespectful.

It’s important to also notice that the word “Pupil” often brings a sense of formality to the sentence, making it more polished. You should also keep that in mind, if your intent is ever to sound that way in your speech, regardless of your geographic location

Student

A “Student” is a person who’s learning at a school, a college or university, regardless of their age. It can also be used to describe someone who’s particularly interested in a subject and studies it informally, out of school or academia.

The definitions found in The Cambridge Dictionary confirm those points.

The examples below show the correct use of “Student” in a sentence:

1. The students attempted to pay attention, but it was very noisy outside.
2. Many students came together in study groups, to help each other.
3. Students like Ashley often succeeded in whatever classes they took.
4. Dr. Harrington’s students most often struggled with Unit 4 of the class.
5. Paul is a student of flowers, and has been working hard on his garden.

“Student” sounds broader in meaning and can be applied easier than “Pupil”. Keep that in mind when having informal conversations that do not require a fancy vocabulary or a more polished speech.

Pupil or Student In the US?

In the US, you’ll rarely see someone using the word “Pupil”. The differentiation between a “Pupil” and a “Student” isn’t so prevalent in American culture, as most learners are just called “Students”. American English tends to prioritize the word “Student” over “Pupil”, as the graph confirms.

Take a look at the graph from Google Ngram Viewer below, to compare the use of the words “Pupil” and “Student” in the US.

Pupil or Student In the UK?

In the UK, “Pupil” is used less than “Student”, possibly because it has a specific meaning. However, it’s interesting to notice that “Pupil” appears more often in British English. You may want to keep that in mind, when addressing a British audience, and use “Pupil” when appropriate.

Take a look at the graph from Google Ngram Viewer below, to compare the use of the words “Pupil” and “Student” in the UK.