Alumnae vs. Alumni – Which is Correct?
The distinction between alumnae and alumni lies in gender and number. Alumnae refers specifically to a group of female graduates, while alumni refers to a group of male graduates or a mixed-gender group of graduates. Both are correct Latin-derived plural terms, used to denote former students of an institution.
Alumnae or Alumni – Which is Correct?
Both “alumnae” and “alumni” are correct terms, but they are used in different contexts based on the gender of the graduates they describe. The key difference stems from their Latin roots: “alumnae” is the feminine plural, while “alumni” is the masculine plural, which also traditionally serves as the collective plural for mixed-gender groups or when gender is unspecified. To remember, think of “alumnae” for a group of “female” graduates.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumnae | Noun (Plural) | A group of female graduates or former students. | The university’s alumnae network provides mentorship for current students. |
| Alumni | Noun (Plural) | A group of male graduates, or a mixed-gender group of graduates, or a general term for graduates. | The annual alumni dinner brings together former students from across decades. |
How to Use Alumnae
The term “alumnae” is used exclusively to refer to a group of two or more female graduates or former students of a particular institution. It is considered formal and specific, often appearing in academic or institutional contexts where gender-specific distinctions are relevant, such as women’s colleges, sorority organizations, or events celebrating female achievements. Using “alumnae” correctly demonstrates precision and respect for the Latin origins of the word.
Example 1: The Smith College alumnae gather annually for a weekend of networking and reminiscing.
Example 2: Scholarships are often funded by generous contributions from the school’s successful alumnae.
Example 3: The association for female graduates proudly introduced its new board composed entirely of accomplished alumnae.
What are the different forms of Alumnae?
The word “alumnae” is the plural form for a female graduate. The singular form is alumna. There are no other common variations or tenses for this noun.
Etymology of the word Alumnae
“Alumnae” comes directly from Latin. It is the nominative plural of the Latin word “alumna,” which means “nursling” or “foster daughter,” derived from “alere,” meaning “to nourish.” In academic contexts, it evolved to mean a female former student who was “nourished” by the institution.
How to Use Alumni
The term “alumni” is the plural form used to refer to a group of male graduates or former students. Crucially, it also serves as the traditional collective plural for a mixed-gender group of graduates, or as a general, gender-neutral term for graduates when the specific gender composition is unknown or irrelevant. This broader application makes “alumni” the more commonly encountered term in general institutional communications, events, and fundraising efforts.
Example 1: The university’s alumni association hosts events year-round to connect graduates.
Example 2: Many successful business leaders are proud alumni of this prestigious program.
Example 3: The donations from our dedicated alumni help fund new campus initiatives.
What are the different forms of Alumni?
The word “alumni” is the plural form for a male graduate or a mixed group of graduates. The singular form for a male graduate is alumnus. There are no other common variations or tenses for this noun.
While “alumnus” is the formal singular, understanding the difference between alum and alumnus is also useful for informal contexts.
Etymology of the word Alumni
Like “alumnae,” “alumni” is a direct borrowing from Latin. It is the nominative plural of the Latin word “alumnus,” meaning “nursling,” “foster son,” or “pupil,” also derived from “alere,” meaning “to nourish.” It came to signify a male former student who was educated or “nourished” by an institution.
Related Concepts
The distinction between “alumnae” and “alumni” highlights the influence of Latin grammar on English vocabulary, particularly regarding gendered nouns and their pluralization. In English, most nouns form plurals by adding “-s” or “-es.” However, words borrowed directly from Latin, Greek, or other languages often retain their original plural forms. For “alumnae” and “alumni,” we see the Latin system where nouns have grammatical gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) and specific plural endings for each. Understanding this helps clarify why “alumnus” becomes “alumni” (masculine plural) and “alumna” becomes “alumnae” (feminine plural), rather than simply adding an “-s.” This phenomenon is also seen in words like “cactus” (cacti), “criterion” (criteria), or “phenomenon” (phenomena).
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The alumnae of Wellesley College have a strong network, frequently supporting each other’s professional endeavors.” – Adapted from a college publication
- “He recalled his days as a student, often reflecting on the advice he received from successful alumni who visited campus.” – From a biographical narrative
- “The annual gala was a grand affair, attended by hundreds of distinguished alumni and their families.” – From a news report about a university event
- “A special mentorship program was established, pairing current female students with accomplished alumnae in their chosen fields.” – From an academic journal
- “The school’s endowment grew significantly thanks to the consistent generosity of its dedicated alumni body.” – From a university’s annual report
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The association for former students organized a reunion for all its _______.
- Many successful businesswomen are proud _______ of this all-female institution.
- The university honored its oldest living _______, a man who graduated in 1940.
- A powerful network of _______ provided support for women entering STEM fields.
- The fundraising campaign successfully engaged thousands of _______ from various graduating classes.
Answer Key
- alumni
- alumnae
- alumnus
- alumnae
- alumni
Alumnae Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Female graduates | A direct descriptive phrase for women who have completed a course of study. |
| Former female students | A descriptive term for women who previously attended an educational institution. |
| Graduates (female) | A general term for those who have earned a degree, with a gender specifier. |
Alumni Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Graduates | A general term for individuals who have completed a course of study at an institution. |
| Former students | People who previously attended an educational institution. |
| Ex-students | A more informal term for former students. |
| Postgraduates | Specifically refers to those who have completed their initial degree and are pursuing further study or have done so. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is the singular form of “alumni” and “alumnae”?
The singular form of “alumni” (for a male or unspecified gender graduate) is alumnus. The singular form of “alumnae” (for a female graduate) is alumna.
Question 2: Can “alumni” be used to refer to a group of only women?
While “alumni” is often used as a general, gender-neutral term for a group of graduates, including women, the more precise and respectful term for a group composed exclusively of women is alumnae. Using “alumnae” specifically acknowledges the gender of the group.
Question 3: Is there a gender-neutral alternative to “alumni” and “alumnae”?
Yes, terms like “graduates,” “former students,” or “alums” (informal) can serve as gender-neutral alternatives that avoid the Latin gender distinctions. “Alumni” is also widely accepted as a general, collective term for all graduates regardless of gender, especially in broader contexts.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between alumnae and alumni is a matter of precision rooted in Latin grammar. While alumni serves as the general plural for male or mixed-gender groups of graduates, alumnae is specifically reserved for groups of female graduates. Using these terms correctly demonstrates linguistic accuracy and respect for the specific groups being addressed. As language evolves, “alumni” is increasingly accepted as a catch-all, but knowing when to use “alumnae” can add a layer of sophistication to your communication. Pro Tip: When in doubt, “graduates” or “former students” are always safe, gender-neutral alternatives that convey the same meaning without the potential for misgendered or imprecise usage.
