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Is Cum Laude Capitalized? Proper Usage And Grammar Rules Explained

Author Schmitz

Is cum laude capitalized? This is a question that often arises among students, educators, and professionals alike, especially during graduation season when these Latin honors are celebrated. Missteps in capitalization can lead to confusion or even detract from the prestige of these academic accolades. Understanding the proper grammar rules is crucial for maintaining professionalism and precision in both written and spoken contexts.

The phrase "cum laude," along with its variations "magna cum laude" and "summa cum laude," is deeply rooted in academia, denoting different levels of distinction achieved by graduates. But when writing these honors, the capitalization rules can seem ambiguous. Should they always be lowercase, or are there specific scenarios when capitalization is required? The answer depends on the context in which "cum laude" is used, and that’s what this article aims to clarify in detail.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll not only address whether "cum laude" should be capitalized but also explore the broader grammatical rules surrounding Latin phrases, delve into their historical significance, and provide clear examples of how to use these terms correctly. By the end of this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of why proper capitalization matters and how to apply it in various contexts, from resumes to formal invitations. Let’s dive in!

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    • Table of Contents

    What is Cum Laude?

    The term "cum laude" is a Latin phrase that translates to "with praise" or "with honor." It is one of three traditional academic distinctions used in many universities and colleges worldwide to recognize outstanding academic achievement. The other two levels are "magna cum laude" (with great honor) and "summa cum laude" (with highest honor).

    These honors are typically awarded based on a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) or their rank within the graduating class. While the exact criteria vary from institution to institution, the purpose remains the same: to celebrate academic excellence.

    Here’s a basic breakdown of what each Latin honor signifies:

    • Cum Laude: Awarded to students who achieve a GPA within a specified range, often around 3.5–3.7.
    • Magna Cum Laude: A higher distinction, generally for GPAs ranging from 3.8–3.9.
    • Summa Cum Laude: The highest honor, reserved for students with near-perfect GPAs, often 4.0 or higher.

    Understanding the definition of "cum laude" is the first step in mastering its proper usage and capitalization rules.

    Why Do People Ask About Capitalization?

    The question of capitalization arises because "cum laude" is a Latin phrase, and Latin follows different grammatical conventions than English. In English, capitalization rules are generally more straightforward, but the integration of foreign phrases like "cum laude" complicates matters for writers and editors alike.

    Here are some of the common reasons why people wonder about capitalizing "cum laude":

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    1. Uncertainty About Formality: Some believe that capitalizing the phrase adds a layer of formality and prestige.
    2. Contextual Usage: The capitalization rules may vary depending on where the term appears (e.g., in a sentence, title, or standalone phrase).
    3. Inconsistencies in Style Guides: Different style guides offer varying recommendations, which can lead to confusion.

    Understanding these concerns helps us dive deeper into when and why capitalization is appropriate.

    Is Cum Laude Capitalized in Academic Contexts?

    In most academic contexts, "cum laude" is not capitalized unless it appears at the beginning of a sentence or in a title. The same rule applies to "magna cum laude" and "summa cum laude." This aligns with the general rule that Latin phrases are usually written in lowercase in English text.

    When Should It Be Capitalized?

    Here are the specific scenarios where capitalization is appropriate:

    • When "cum laude" starts a sentence: "Cum laude honors were awarded to the top graduates."
    • In the title of a document or section: "Graduation Requirements for Cum Laude Honors"
    • When following specific institutional formatting rules that require capitalization.

    However, in running text, "cum laude" is generally lowercase, as in: "She graduated cum laude from Harvard University."

    Academic Style Guides

    Different style guides offer their own recommendations:

    • APA Style: Recommends lowercase for Latin terms unless they are proper nouns.
    • MLA Style: Follows a similar rule, emphasizing consistency within the text.
    • Chicago Manual of Style: Suggests lowercase for Latin terms unless context dictates otherwise.

    Adhering to these guidelines ensures accuracy and professionalism in academic writing.

    Rules for Capitalizing Latin Phrases

    Latin phrases, including "cum laude," follow distinct capitalization rules in English. These rules are rooted in the historical usage of Latin in academic, legal, and religious texts. Let’s examine these rules in detail.

    General Guidelines

    Here are the general rules for capitalizing Latin phrases:

    • Latin phrases are typically written in lowercase unless they are proper nouns or appear in titles.
    • When used in a sentence, Latin phrases should not be capitalized unless required by specific guidelines.
    • In formal documents or inscriptions, capitalization may be used for emphasis or stylistic reasons.

    By understanding these rules, you can apply them consistently to "cum laude" and other Latin honors.

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    Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude What’s the Difference?

    Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude What’s the Difference?

    Is cum laude capitalized

    Is cum laude capitalized