What is the Difference Between Pupil and Student?

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.