adj
Uncommon
doctoral
DOK-tuh-ruhl
Doctoral (adj) means relating to a doctorate or the degree of doctor. Example: “She spent five years working on her doctoral thesis.”
adj
1
Relating to a doctorate or the degree of doctor.
"She spent five years working on her doctoral thesis."
"He is applying for a doctoral place at a university abroad."
"The doctoral students presented their research to the whole department."
How to use doctoral
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes anything connected to earning or holding a doctorate.
Common pairings
doctoral thesis
doctoral student
doctoral degree
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She spent five years working on her _____ thesis.
Etymology
From doctor + -al.
Synonyms
View more →
postgraduate
doctorial
Related words
Rhymes for doctoral
See all rhymes for doctoral →Frequently asked questions
What does “doctoral” mean?
The word “doctoral” means relating to a doctorate or the degree of doctor. In plain terms, describes anything connected to earning or holding a doctorate.
How do you pronounce “doctoral”?
“Doctoral” is pronounced DOK-tuh-ruhl (/ˈdɑktəɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “doctoral” in a sentence?
Here is “doctoral” used in a sentence: “She spent five years working on her doctoral thesis.”
What part of speech is “doctoral”?
“Doctoral” is an adjective.
Is “doctoral” a common word?
“Doctoral” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "doctoral" and "doctorate"?
"Doctorate" is a noun referring to the degree itself, while "doctoral" is the adjective used to describe things related to that degree, such as a doctoral thesis or doctoral candidate.
What is an example of "doctoral" used correctly?
Phrases like "doctoral dissertation," "doctoral candidate," and "doctoral program" all use "doctoral" as an adjective describing something connected to earning a doctorate.
Is "doctoral" only used for PhDs?
"Doctoral" relates to any doctorate-level degree, which most commonly refers to a PhD but can also include other doctoral degrees such as an EdD or DBA.
