The Ultimate Guide To Summa Cum Laude Pronunciation: 5 Ways To Say It Like A Scholar

Are you preparing for a commencement ceremony, polishing your resume, or simply aiming to speak with the confidence of a top-tier graduate? The phrase *summa cum laude*—meaning "with highest distinction" or "with highest praise"—is a powerful academic achievement, but its pronunciation often causes hesitation. As of late 2025, the debate between the Americanized and Classical Latin pronunciations is still alive, but understanding the accepted variations is key to sounding truly knowledgeable.

The confusion stems from the historical shift of the Latin honors system from European universities to American institutions like Harvard in the 19th century. Over time, the traditional Latin sounds were adapted to fit American English phonetics, resulting in a few widely accepted versions. This guide breaks down the correct ways to pronounce this prestigious title, ensuring you can use it confidently in any professional or academic setting.

Understanding the Summa Cum Laude Honors System

Before diving into phonetics, it is essential to establish the context and ranking of this coveted academic title. *Summa cum laude* is the pinnacle of the three-tiered Latin honors system, signifying the highest level of academic achievement awarded to undergraduate students.

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The Latin honors system is a tradition that began in European universities and was formally adopted in the United States by Harvard College in 1869. While specific Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements vary significantly between universities—some use a fixed GPA cutoff (e.g., 3.95 and above), while others award it to a fixed percentage of the graduating class (e.g., the top 5%)—the hierarchy remains universal.

• 1. Cum Laude: Meaning "with praise." This is the third and lowest tier, typically awarded to students in the top 20–30% of the class, often requiring a GPA around 3.40–3.59.
• 2. Magna Cum Laude: Meaning "with great praise" or "with great distinction." This is the middle tier, usually reserved for the top 10–15% of the class.
• 3. Summa Cum Laude: Meaning "with highest praise" or "with highest distinction." This is the highest honor, typically reserved for the top 1–5% of the graduating class.

Achieving this level of academic distinction is a testament to extraordinary dedication and a superior grade point average throughout one's undergraduate career.

The 3 Most Accepted Pronunciations of Summa Cum Laude

The greatest source of confusion is the final word, *laude*. Does it sound like "law-dee," "low-day," or "lau-deh"? The answer is that multiple pronunciations are considered correct, depending on whether you favor the Americanized version or the traditional Classical Latin sound.

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1. The Most Common American English Pronunciation (The "Law-dee" Variant)

This is arguably the most frequently heard pronunciation during commencement speeches and in everyday conversation across North America. It is a fully Anglicized version of the Latin phrase.

Phonetic Breakdown: SUM-uh cum LAW-dee

• Summa: Pronounced SUM-uh (or sometimes SOO-muh). The 'u' sound is a short 'u' as in 'cup'.
• Cum: Pronounced cum (rhymes with 'gum').
• Laude: Pronounced LAW-dee (or sometimes LAH-dee). The 'au' is pronounced like the 'aw' in 'saw', and the final 'e' is pronounced as a long 'e' or 'ee' sound.

This is the safest and most widely understood option to use in a professional interview or a casual setting.

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2. The Americanized "Low-Day" Pronunciation (The Classicist's Choice)

This variation attempts to be truer to the Latin roots while still using English phonetics. It is often preferred by those with a background in classical studies or at institutions that favor a more traditional approach.

Phonetic Breakdown: SOO-muh cum LOW-day

• Summa: Pronounced SOO-muh. The 'u' is a long 'u' sound, as in 'super'.
• Cum: Pronounced koom or kuum.
• Laude: Pronounced LOW-day or LAU-day. The 'au' is pronounced like the 'ow' in 'how', and the final 'e' is pronounced as a long 'a' or 'ay' sound.

This version, specifically /ˈsʊmə kʊm ˈlaʊdɛ/, is also listed in major American dictionaries, confirming its validity.

3. The Classical Latin Pronunciation (The Purist's Standard)

For purists or those speaking in a highly formal academic context, the Classical Latin pronunciation is the most authentic. This version is rarely heard outside of Latin departments but is the technically correct way to say the phrase in its original language.

Phonetic Breakdown: SOO-mah koom LAU-deh

• Summa: Pronounced SOO-mah. The 'u' is a long 'u' sound, and the final 'a' is an 'ah' sound.
• Cum: Pronounced koom.
• Laude: Pronounced LAU-deh. The 'au' is a diphthong, similar to the 'ow' in 'cow', and the final 'e' is a short 'e' sound, like the 'e' in 'bed'.

While correct, using this pronunciation in a typical American commencement ceremony might sound overly formal or slightly out of place, so it is best to stick to the Americanized versions for general use.

Tips for Using Summa Cum Laude on Your Resume

Beyond pronunciation, knowing how to correctly present this honor on your resume is crucial for maximizing its impact with recruiters and hiring managers. Correct usage demonstrates attention to detail and professional polish.

Formatting and Placement

When you list *summa cum laude* on your resume, follow these best practices:

• Placement: Always include it in the Education section, directly beneath your degree and university name. If you have a dedicated Awards and Honors section, you can list it there as well.
• Capitalization: The phrase is a common noun in English and should be written in all lowercase letters: *summa cum laude*.
• Italics: For a clean, professional look, it is widely recommended to use italics: *summa cum laude*. This visually sets the Latin phrase apart from the rest of the text.
• Avoid Abbreviations: Do not abbreviate the phrase (e.g., avoid "SCL"). Spell it out completely to maintain formality and clarity.
• The Full Context: A perfect resume entry might look like this:

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, *summa cum laude*

By correctly formatting your Latin honors, you ensure that your academic achievement is immediately recognized and respected by potential employers.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Confident Pronunciation

The complexity of the *summa cum laude* pronunciation reflects the fascinating history of academic tradition. While the debate between the Americanized and Classical Latin versions persists, the most important takeaway is to choose a variation and use it with confidence.

For nearly all professional and public speaking contexts in the United States, the SUM-uh cum LAW-dee pronunciation is the safest, most recognized, and least likely to draw unwanted attention. However, knowing the SOO-muh cum LOW-day variant adds a layer of sophistication, demonstrating that you understand the nuances of the phrase's Latin origin.

Whether you are a proud graduate, a parent, or a professional referencing a colleague's achievements, mastering the pronunciation of *summa cum laude* is a small but significant detail that elevates your communication and reinforces your own high level of distinction.