及第

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 及第, read きゅうだい, combines reaching 及 with grade or rank 第 as a literary term for passing.
• Basic usage: 試験に及第する means passing, while 及第点に達する means reaching a minimally acceptable standard.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing meanings
  • The latter is a limited assessment of clearing a threshold, not praise for perfection or excellence.