Bachelor's
/ˈbætʃ.əl.ərz/noun
A degree awarded to an undergraduate student upon completion of a course of study.
Did you know?The term 'bachelor' originally referred to a young knight or a novice in the medieval guilds, symbolizing a state of incomplete initiation into adulthood and society's responsibilities.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
baccalarius
“A young man, often a farm worker or a servant, who had not yet achieved full membership in a guild.”
12th Century
Old French
bachelier
“A young knight or apprentice, symbolizing youth and inexperience.”
14th Century
Middle English
bacheler
“A young man or an inexperienced soldier, often still under training.”
15th Century
Middle English
bachelor
“An unmarried man, highlighting the idea of being uninitiated into adult societal roles.”
17th Century
English
bachelor's degree
“A formalized title for the first level of higher education, establishing a more accepted societal role while retaining the connotation of youth.”
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