Term vs. Semester — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
Term is a general term referring to a specified period of time or a condition. Semester is a specific academic period, typically part of a school or college year.
Difference Between Term and Semester
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Term can apply broadly to various domains, including business, law, and general language. Semester is specific to the educational context, representing a portion of the academic year.
Terms can vary in duration and frequency, depending on the context. Semesters are typically part of an academic year and follow a standardized schedule.
"The presidential term lasts four years." (Term) while "I'm taking three courses this semester." (Semester)
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Specified period of time
Academic period in education
Usage
General, applicable in various contexts
Specific to education
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Context
Used in business, law, everyday language
Primarily in academic context
Example (Term)
"His prison term ended."
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Example (Semester)
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"I'm in my second semester of college."
Duration and Frequency
Varies widely
Typically follows an academic calendar
Compare with Definitions
Term
A word or phrase with a particular meaning.
The scientific term 'photosynthesis' refers to a process in plants.
Semester
A specific academic period in education.
I'm studying abroad for a semester.
Term
A fixed period of an academic year.
The school offers three terms per year.
Semester
Half of an academic year.
The fall semester begins in September.
Term
An expression used in a specialized field.
In mathematics, the term 'factor' has a specific definition.
Semester
A division of the academic calendar.
The spring semester ends in May.
Term
A limited or established period of time that something is supposed to last, as a school or court session, tenure in public office, or a prison sentence.
Semester
A term used in colleges and universities.
She's taking a full course load this semester.
Term
A point in time at which something ends; termination
An apprenticeship nearing its term.
Semester
A structured period for coursework and exams.
Final exams are at the end of each semester.
Term
The end of a normal gestation period
Carried the fetus to term.
Semester
One of two divisions of 15 to 18 weeks each of an academic year.
Term
A deadline, as for making a payment.
Semester
Half of a school year (US) or academic year such as autumn or spring semester.
I will graduate at the end of the spring semester.
Term
A fixed period of time for which an estate is granted.
Semester
A period or term of six months.
Term
An estate granted for a fixed period.
Semester
A period of six months; especially, a term in a college or university which divides the year into two terms.
Term
A word or group of words having a particular meaning, especially in a specific field
I was baffled by the technical terms that the programmers were using.
Semester
One of two divisions of an academic year
Term
Terms Language of a certain kind; chosen words
Spoke in rather vague terms.
Praised him in glowing terms.
Semester
Half a year; a period of 6 months
Term
Often terms One of the elements of a proposed or concluded agreement; a condition
Offered favorable peace terms.
One of the terms of the lease.
The terms of a divorce settlement.
Term
Terms The relationship between two people or groups; personal footing
On good terms with her in-laws.
Term
One of the quantities composing a ratio or fraction or forming a series.
Term
One of the quantities connected by addition or subtraction signs in an equation; a member.
Term
(Logic) Each of the two concepts being compared or related in a proposition.
Term
A stone or post marking a boundary, especially a squared and downward-tapering pillar adorned with a head and upper torso.
Term
An architectural or decorative motif resembling such a marker.
Term
To designate; call.
Term
That which limits the extent of anything; limit, extremity, bound, boundary, terminus#Noun.
"Alright, look...we can spend the holidays with your parents, but this time it will be on my terms."
Term
A chronological limitation or restriction, a limited timespan.
The term of a lease agreement is the period of time during which the lease is effective, and may be fixed, periodic, or of indefinite duration.
Term
Any of the binding conditions or promises in a legal contract.
Be sure to read the terms and conditions before signing.
Term
Specifically, the conditions in a legal contract that specify the price#Noun and also how and when payment#Noun must be made.
The latest models are available now, on the lowest terms you'll find anywhere, guaranteed.
Term
A point, line, or superficies that limits.
A line is the term of a superficies, and a superficies is the term of a solid.
Term
A word or phrase (e.g., noun phrase, verb phrase, open compound), especially one from a specialised area of knowledge; a name for a concept.
"Algorithm" is a term used in computer science.
The noun phrase "red blood cell", the acronym "RBC", and the word "erythrocyte" are synonymous terms.
Term
Relations among people.
We are on friendly terms with each other.
Term
Part of a year, especially one of the divisions of an academic year.
Term
Duration of officeholding, or its limit; period in office of fixed length.
He was sentenced to a term of six years in prison.
Near-term, mid-term and long-term goals
The term allowed to a debtor to discharge his debt
Term
The time during which legal courts are open.
Term
Certain days on which rent is paid.
Term
With respect to a pregnancy, the period during which birth usually happens (approximately 40 weeks from conception).
At term, preterm, postterm
Term
(of a patent) The maximum period during which the patent can be maintained into force.
Term
(archaic) A menstrual period.
Term
(mathematics) Any value (variable or constant) or expression separated from another term by a space or an appropriate character, in an overall expression or table.
All the terms of this sum cancel out.
Term
(logic) The subject or the predicate of a proposition; one of the three component parts of a syllogism, each one of which is used twice.
Term
(astrology) An essential dignity in which unequal segments of every astrological sign have internal rulerships which affect the power and integrity of each planet in a natal chart.
Term
(arts) A statue of the upper body, sometimes without the arms, ending in a pillar or pedestal.
Term
(nautical) A piece of carved work placed under each end of the taffrail.
Term
A computer program that emulates a physical terminal.
Term
One whose employment has been terminated
Term
To phrase a certain way; to name or call.
Term
(ambitransitive) To terminate one's employment
Term
Born or delivered at term.
Term neonate
Term
That which limits the extent of anything; limit; extremity; bound; boundary.
Corruption is a reciprocal to generation, and they two are as nature's two terms, or boundaries.
Term
The time for which anything lasts; any limited time; as, a term of five years; the term of life.
Term
In universities, schools, etc., a definite continuous period during which instruction is regularly given to students; as, the school year is divided into three terms.
Term
A point, line, or superficies, that limits; as, a line is the term of a superficies, and a superficies is the term of a solid.
Term
A fixed period of time; a prescribed duration
Term
The subject or the predicate of a proposition; one of the three component parts of a syllogism, each one of which is used twice.
The subject and predicate of a proposition are, after Aristotle, together called its terms or extremes.
Term
A word or expression; specifically, one that has a precisely limited meaning in certain relations and uses, or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or the like; as, a technical term.
In painting, the greatest beauties can not always be expressed for want of terms.
Term
A member of a compound quantity; as, a or b in a + b; ab or cd in ab - cd.
Term
The menses.
Term
Propositions or promises, as in contracts, which, when assented to or accepted by another, settle the contract and bind the parties; conditions.
Term
In Scotland, the time fixed for the payment of rents.
Term
A piece of carved work placed under each end of the taffrail.
I can not speak in term.
Term
To apply a term to; to name; to call; to denominate.
Men term what is beyond the limits of the universe "imaginary space."
Term
A word or expression used for some particular thing;
He learned many medical terms
Term
A limited period of time;
A prison term
He left school before the end of term
Term
(usually plural) a statement of what is required as part of an agreement;
The contract set out the conditions of the lease
The terms of the treaty were generous
Term
Any distinct quantity contained in a polynomial;
The general term of an algebraic equation of the n-th degree
Term
One of the substantive phrases in a logical proposition;
The major term of a syllogism must occur twice
Term
The end of gestation or point at which birth is imminent;
A healthy baby born at full term
Term
(architecture) a statue or a human bust or an animal carved out of the top of a square pillar; originally used as a boundary marker in ancient Rome
Term
Name formally or designate with a term
Term
A specified period of time or a condition.
The lease term for the apartment is one year.
Term
A legal or contractual provision.
The contract includes a termination clause.
Common Curiosities
In education, what is a "semester"?
A "semester" is a specific academic period, typically part of a school or college year, with its own set of courses and exams.
How many semesters are typically in an academic year?
An academic year usually consists of two semesters: fall and spring.
What is the significance of the "fall semester" and "spring semester" in higher education?
These terms represent the two main academic periods in a school year, with the fall semester usually starting in August or September and the spring semester in January.
What does "term" mean in a general sense?
"Term" refers to a specified period of time or a particular condition.
Can "term" be used in everyday language?
Yes, "term" is a versatile word that can be used in everyday language to describe various time-related concepts.
What are the common divisions of an academic year in countries that don't use "semester" terminology?
In some countries, academic years are divided into trimesters or quarters, depending on the educational system.
What is the difference between a "term" and a "semester" in education?
A "term" is a general time frame, while a "semester" is a specific academic period with a standardized schedule and curriculum.
How long does a typical semester last in a college or university?
A semester typically lasts around 15 to 16 weeks, including coursework and exams.
How does the use of "semester" differ from "quarter" in academic contexts?
"Semester" and "quarter" both refer to academic periods, but a semester typically lasts longer than a quarter, which is shorter and more intensive.
Are "terms" the same in all educational institutions?
No, the structure and duration of terms can vary between different schools and colleges.
What is a "term limit" in politics?
A "term limit" is a restriction on the number of terms or years an elected official can hold a particular office.
Can you provide an example of "term" in a legal context?
"The contract's payment terms specify the schedule for installment payments."
How does the use of "term" differ in legal and academic contexts?
In legal contexts, "term" often refers to a condition or provision in a contract or agreement, while in academia, it refers to a specific academic period.
Can "semester" be used in contexts other than education?
While "semester" is primarily used in an educational context, it may occasionally be used metaphorically to describe a period of time with a clear beginning and end.
Can a "term" refer to a specific word or phrase's meaning?
Yes, a "term" can also denote a word or phrase with a particular definition or significance.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
