Definition

A type of examination for students at Cambridge University, particularly for those seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors.

Example

She studied hard for her tripos to ensure she would graduate with honors.

Conversation

Have you heard about the tripos exams at Cambridge?

Yeah, they sound really challenging!

I can't believe how much studying they must require.

Definitely, I’ve heard they can be quite intense.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tripos is derived from the Latin word 'tripus' (meaning three-footed), which comes from 'tri-' (meaning three) and 'pes' (meaning foot). The term originally referred to a three-legged stool or support, often used in ancient Greece for holding a cauldron or as a seat for a judge.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'three-footed' ('tri-' means three and 'pes' means foot) support when you remember that 'tripos' refers to something that has three legs.

Visually Confused Words