grade

[[t]gre͟ɪd[/t]]

♦♦♦

grades, grading, graded

1) VERB If something is graded, its quality is judged, and it is often given a number or a name that indicates how good or bad it is.

[be V-ed] Dust masks are graded according to the protection they offer...

[V n] South Point College does not grade the students' work.

[V-ing] ...a three-tier grading system.

2) N-COUNT: with supp, oft adj N, N num The grade of a product is its quality, especially when this has been officially judged.

...a good grade of plywood.

...a grade II listed building.

COMB in ADJ

Grade is also a combining form.

...weapons-grade plutonium. ... aviation fuel and high-grade oil.

3) N-COUNT: with supp, oft adj N, N num Your grade in an examination or piece of written work is the mark you get, usually in the form of a letter or number, that indicates your level of achievement.

What grade are you hoping to get?...

There was a lot of pressure on you to obtain good grades.

4) N-COUNT: with supp Your grade in a company or organization is your level of importance or your rank.

Staff turnover is particularly high among junior grades.

5) N-COUNT: usu with supp, oft ord N In the United States, a grade is a group of classes in which all the children are of a similar age. When you are six years old you go into the first grade and you leave school after the twelfth grade.

Mr White teaches first grade in south Georgia.

6) N-COUNT A grade is a slope. [AM]

She drove up a steep grade and then began the long descent into the desert.

(in BRIT, use gradient)

7) N-COUNT Someone's grade is their military rank. [AM]

I was a naval officer, lieutenant junior grade.

Syn:

rank

8) PHRASE: V inflects If someone makes the grade, they succeed, especially by reaching a particular standard.

She had a strong desire to be a dancer but failed to make the grade.

Syn:

succeed