Magna cum laude is an academic superlative used by educational institutions to indicate that a student has obtained a distinguished academic degree. The Latin word literally translates to “with high applause.”
Magna cum laude is one of three academic degree honors that are frequently used in educational institutions in the United States and other nations. Summa cum laude, which means “with the highest distinction,” and cum laude, which means “with distinction,” are the others. Because the titles maintain their original Latin forms, they are referred to as Latin honors.