degree
dih-GREE
Degree (noun) means an academic qualification awarded by a college or university on completion of a course of study. Example: “She earned a degree in biology before going to medical school.”
noun
1
An academic qualification awarded by a college or university on completion of a course of study.
"She earned a degree in biology before going to medical school."
"He is studying part-time for a degree in history."
"Most graduate jobs here ask for a degree in any subject."
2
A unit for measuring angles or temperature.
"Heat the oven to two hundred degrees before putting the tray in."
"Turn the wheel ninety degrees to the left."
"It reached thirty degrees Celsius yesterday."
3
The extent or level to which something is present.
"To a certain degree, I agree with what you said."
"The task requires a high degree of concentration."
"He showed a surprising degree of patience with the new hire."
How to use degree
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA qualification from higher education, a unit for measuring angles/temperature, or simply a level or extent of something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
university degree
to some degree
a degree of risk
thirty degrees
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like degree.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- degrees
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She earned a _____ in biology before going to medical school.
Etymology
From Old French degré, from Latin gradus ("step"), with the prefix dē- added — literally "a step down or along."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for degree
See all rhymes for degree →Frequently asked questions
What does “degree” mean?
The word “degree” means an academic qualification awarded by a college or university on completion of a course of study. In plain terms, a qualification from higher education, a unit for measuring angles/temperature, or simply a level or extent of something.
How do you pronounce “degree”?
“Degree” is pronounced dih-GREE (/dɪˈɡɹiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “degree” in a sentence?
Here is “degree” used in a sentence: “She earned a degree in biology before going to medical school.”
What is another word for “degree”?
Words with a similar meaning to “degree” include compass, grade, level, magnitude and scale.
What part of speech is “degree”?
“Degree” is a noun.
Where does the word “degree” come from?
The word “degree” comes from Latin. From Old French degré, from Latin gradus ("step"), with the prefix dē- added — literally "a step down or along.".
Is “degree” a common word?
“Degree” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “degree” have?
“Degree” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an academic qualification awarded by a college or university on completion of a course of study.
What are the main types of degree?
Degrees are ranked by level. An associate degree comes first in some countries, followed by a bachelor's degree (the standard undergraduate qualification), then a master's degree, and finally a doctorate such as a PhD. Each builds on the last and generally requires deeper, more specialised study.
What is the difference between a degree and a diploma?
A degree is a higher academic qualification awarded by a university, usually after three or more years of study. A diploma is typically shorter and more focused, often vocational, and may be offered by colleges as well as universities. In academic level, degrees generally rank above diplomas.
What is the difference between a bachelor's and a master's degree?
A bachelor's degree is the standard undergraduate qualification, usually taking three to four years and covering a subject broadly. A master's is a postgraduate degree taken afterwards, normally one to two years, that goes deeper into a specialised area. You generally need a bachelor's before starting a master's.
How long does a degree take to complete?
It depends on the level and country. A bachelor's degree typically takes three to four years of full-time study, a master's one to two more, and a doctorate several years beyond that. Studying part-time spreads the same course over a longer period, often while the student works.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include degree:
