What is the Difference Between Pupil and Student?

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The terms "pupil" and "student" both refer to learners intending to study and learn new academic lessons. However, there are some differences between the two:

  1. Age: "Pupil" typically refers to young learners under the age of 18 attending schools, while "student" mainly refers to adult learners in universities, colleges, art classes, etc..
  2. Supervision: Pupils usually need exceptional control and administration in their learning processes, as they are under the direct supervision of a teacher due to their young age or special needs.
  3. Regional Preferences: British speakers tend to use "pupil" for young learners, while American speakers prefer "student" for learners of any age.

In summary, the main difference between a pupil and a student is the age of the learner and the level of supervision they require. Regional preferences also play a role in determining which term is used to describe a learner.

Comparative Table: Pupil vs Student

The terms "pupil" and "student" are often considered synonymous, as both denote a person who is taught by a teacher. However, there are some differences in their usage and connotations:

Pupil Student
Generally preferred for young students or learners being taught by a personal tutor or instructor Generally associated with a person who is enrolled in a school or college and receiving a formal education
Originally a Latin term denoting a minor as the ward of an adult The word "student" refers to a learner enrolled in a school or college, rather than learning from a private tutor

In summary, while both "pupil" and "student" can refer to a person who is learning, "pupil" is more commonly used for young students or those learning from a personal tutor, whereas "student" is more associated with formal education in a school or college setting.