Former student Crossword Clue

Today's (4 December 2023) crossword provided to us by The Times Concise and the clue is "Former student".
The right answer or rather the best answer listed below:

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

"Former student" as a crossword clue leads us to the answer "ALUMNUS." This connection is based on the following rationale:

• Alumnus Definition: An alumnus refers to a person who has previously attended a particular school, college, or university, thus establishing a direct link to the term "former student."
• Etymology: The word "alumnus" is derived from Latin, where "alumnus" means a foster son or pupil. It evolved over time to represent someone who has graduated from an educational institution. This evolution aligns perfectly with the concept of a former student.
• Crossword Clue Strategy: In crossword puzzles, clues often rely on synonyms, associations, or direct definitions. In this case, "former student" is a straightforward synonym for "alumnus," providing solvers with a clear linguistic connection to arrive at the correct answer.
• Cultural Context: The term "alumnus" is widely recognized in the context of educational institutions, making it a common and appropriate choice for a crossword puzzle clue relating to a previous student of a school or university.

By understanding the underlying meaning and association between the clue "former student" and the answer "ALUMNUS," crossword enthusiasts can effectively navigate the puzzle and enhance their solving experience.

Definition of "ALUMNUS"

a former pupil or student, especially a male one, of a particular school, college, or university

Example :

a Harvard alumnus

a mixture of news about the University and articles by alumni

a Royal Ballet alumnus

 The Crossword clue "Former student" published 12 time/s & has 3 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
The Times Concise	4 December 2023	ALUMNUS
Crossword Champ Daily	24 May 2023	ALUM
The Telegraph - Quick	17 May 2023	ALUMNUS
Penny dell sunday	17 September 2018	GRAD
Universal	18 June 2018	ALUM
L.A. Times Daily	28 December 2015	ALUM