What does "syllabus" mean?
A summary of topics which will be covered during an academic course, or a text or lecture.
Syllabus
/ˈsɪləbəs/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A summary of topics which will be covered during an academic course, or a text or lecture.
- Grammar: syllabus is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abbreviation, abbreviature, abrege, abridgment.
- Useful contrasts: complete text, disorganization, full text.
- Usage evidence: I finished writing the syllabus last week.
How to use "syllabus"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "syllabus" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "syllabus" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "syllabus" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "syllabus" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "syllabus" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abbreviation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "syllabus", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A summary of topics which will be covered during an academic course, or a text or lecture.
"In the first half of the year, teachers attended the training workshop for the new K-10 Chinese syllabus. In July, almost all the teachers attended the teacher training courses provided by OCAC."
- 2 an integrated course of academic studies wordnet
- 3 The headnote of a reported case; the brief statement of the points of law determined prefixed to a reported case.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"I finished writing the syllabus last week."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "syllabus"?
Common synonyms include: abbreviation, abbreviature, abrege, abridgment, abstract, academic discipline curriculum.
How do you use "syllabus" in a sentence?
I finished writing the syllabus last week.
How do you pronounce "syllabus"?
Pronounced /ˈsɪləbəs/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin syllabus (“list”), which arose as a misprint, its accusative plural syllabos appearing in place of sittybas in a 1470s edition of Cicero's “Ad Atticum” IV.5 and 8. The corrupt form was influenced by the stem of Ancient Greek συλλαμβάνω (sullambánō, “put together”), the source of σῠλλᾰβή (sŭllăbḗ, “syllable”); the true etymon is σιττύβα (sittúba, “parchment label, table of contents”) [or σιττύβας (sittúbas)] of unknown origin.