Many people have probably heard the expression "alma mater". What it is and what this term literally means, few know. Some will say that he is connected with the mother, and they will not be far from the truth. About what "alma mater" means, about the origin of the term and its synonyms will be discussed in the article.
Meaning and synonyms
"Alma mater" - what is it? In dictionaries, this phrase is interpreted as an educational institution. Synonyms for the expression under study are as follows:
- Institute.
- University.
- College
- University.
- Educational institution.
For example, the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum, where the great Russian poet A. S. Pushkin studied at the time of his youth, is often called the author's "alma mater". A reasonable question may arise, is it correct to call the modern school "alma mater?" And although the word "school" is not found in synonyms for this term, it can be called that. In fact, the point is not in the rank of the educational institution, but in the upbringing and baggage of knowledge and spiritual values obtained during training.
Translated from Latin
Continuingto consider what “alma mater” is, it is necessary to turn to more ancient sources than an explanatory dictionary, namely, to decipher the phrase. "Nursing mother" - this is how the term under study is translated from Latin. There are also translation options that are close in meaning - this is “mother-nurse” or “benevolent mother”. Educational institutions have been called so lovingly since the Middle Ages.
First of all, these were universities located in Europe, and the name "alma mater" had an informal character. This term conveyed a kind and gentle attitude towards an educational institution that gave students the way to a new, often prosperous life.
Initially, European universities gave their students an education based on philosophy and theology, but in fact - on Christianity. Thus, teachers seemed to nourish their students with knowledge about life, good and evil.
Relevance at present
"Alma mater" - what is it now? In the modern world, this phrase should be understood as a figurative name of an educational institution, most often it means a university, university, etc.
Among professional scientists, the "alma mater" is not only the institution where they studied, but also the one where they began their scientific activity. As you can see, this expression has not lost its meaning in the modern world and is used in conversation as needed. Today you can hear closethe meaning of the expression "imbibe with mother's milk", which means to know this or that truth from an early age.
