1. Someone who has completed their formal education:
This is the most common understanding. It simply refers to someone who has finished their studies, whether it's a high school diploma, a college degree, or a doctorate.
For example:
* "The former scholar is now working as a software engineer."
* "The university hosted a reunion for its former scholars."
2. Someone who has stopped actively pursuing academic research:
This meaning implies that the person was previously involved in scholarly work, perhaps as a researcher or a professor, but has since transitioned to a different career or lifestyle.
For example:
* "The former scholar, now retired, still enjoys reading and writing in his free time."
* "The company hired a former scholar to analyze their data."
3. A title used in specific institutions:
Some institutions, like certain schools or universities, might use the term "former scholar" to denote a specific type of alumni or a person who has received a scholarship in the past.
For example:
* "The university offers special services for its former scholars."
* "The scholarship program is intended for aspiring scholars and former scholars."
To understand the meaning of "former scholar" in a specific context, it's crucial to consider the surrounding information and the intention behind the statement.