diploma
4 synonyms for diploma, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An official document awarded for completing a course of study or earning a qualification.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use diploma
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
earn a diploma
diploma in nursing
high school diploma
Etymology
From Latin diplōma, from Greek díplōma meaning "folded paper" or "official document," itself from a word meaning "to fold."
Full origin of diploma →Frequently asked questions
What does “diploma” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “diploma”?
“Diploma” is pronounced dih-PLOH-muh (/dɪˈploʊmə/ in IPA).
How do you use “diploma” in a sentence?
Here is “diploma” used in a sentence: “She framed her nursing diploma and hung it in her office.”
What part of speech is “diploma”?
“Diploma” is a noun.
Where does the word “diploma” come from?
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.".
Is “diploma” a common word?
“Diploma” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a "diploma" and a "degree"?
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.
What is the difference between a "diploma" and a "certificate"?
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.
Do you "earn" or "receive" a diploma?
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.
