diploma

The word “diploma” means an official document awarded for completing a course of study or earning a qualification. In plain terms, a certificate proving you completed a course or program.

“Diploma” is pronounced dih-PLOH-muh (/dɪˈploʊmə/ in IPA).

Here is “diploma” used in a sentence: “She framed her nursing diploma and hung it in her office.”

“Diploma” is a noun.

The word “diploma” comes from Latin. From Latin diplōma, from Greek díplōma meaning "folded paper" or "official document," itself from a word meaning "to fold.".

“Diploma” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

A "diploma" is the official document awarded for completing a course of study, while a "degree" is the academic qualification itself, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, that the diploma certifies. In everyday speech people sometimes use the words interchangeably, but the diploma is technically the physical proof of the degree or qualification earned.

Both are official documents proving completion of study, but "diploma" often implies a more substantial or formal program, such as high school or a diploma-level college course, while "certificate" is commonly used for shorter or more specialized training. Usage varies by institution and country, so the exact distinction is not fixed.

Both verbs are used naturally: people commonly say they "earn" a diploma to emphasize the work behind it, while "receive" describes the moment of formally getting the document, often at a graduation ceremony.