Degree Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
degree
[dษชหษกriห ]
Definitions
level of achievement
A degree is a unit of measurement used to measure angles, temperature, or the extent to which something happens or is present. It can also refer to an academic award conferred by a college or university upon successful completion of a program of study.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| degree |
Use 'degree' when talking about an academic achievement or a specific amount/measurement of something.
|
| level |
Use 'level' when talking about a position on a scale, rank, or measuring the amount of something.
|
| extent |
Use 'extent' when referring to the range, scope, or limit of something.
|
| qualification |
Use 'qualification' when discussing credentials or skills needed for a job or activity.
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Examples of usage
- The temperature today is 30 degrees Celsius.
- She earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics.
- He adjusted the angle of the camera by a few degrees.
academic award
A degree is an academic award given by a college or university to students who have successfully completed a program of study. It is often categorized into Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees.
Synonyms
certification, credential, diploma.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| degree |
This term is best used when referring to an academic achievement from a college or university. It indicates completion of a course of study and is often used in higher education contexts.
|
| diploma |
This term is typically used to describe the document given by an educational institution when someone has completed a specific level of education, such as high school or technical school.
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| certification |
Use this term when referring to a document that proves someone has completed a course or passed an assessment in a specific skill or profession. Itโs often associated with professional credentials.
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| credential |
This word is broader and includes degrees, certifications, and any other proof of someoneโs qualifications or authority. It can be used in various professional and academic settings.
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Examples of usage
- She received her Master's degree in Psychology.
- He is pursuing a degree in Computer Science.
- Many employers require a Bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.
amount or level
Degree can also refer to the amount or level of something, such as intensity, significance, or importance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| degree |
Used to measure academic achievement, temperature, or intensity of something.
|
| level |
Used to describe a specific height, amount, or standard achieved.
|
| extent |
Used to describe the range, area, or scope of something.
|
| grade |
Used to refer to a level of quality or rank, particularly in education or materials.
|
Examples of usage
- There was a degree of uncertainty in his decision.
- She showed a high degree of professionalism in her work.
- The issue is of great degree of importance to the community.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- There are different types of degrees, such as associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate, each representing different levels of education.
- In the United States, obtaining a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
- Many professions require specific degrees, like medicine or law, making them essential for certain careers.
Science
- The term 'degree' is also used in science to measure temperature, angles, and even the size of earthquakes on the Richter scale.
- In geometry, degrees are used to measure angles, where a full circle is 360 degrees.
- In terms of heat, water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius and boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, earning a degree is seen as an important milestone, often celebrated with graduation ceremonies.
- Degrees are often depicted in films and books as symbols of achievement, paving the way for charactersโ future successes.
- The importance of higher education and degrees varies across cultures; some value experience over formal qualifications.
Technology
- Online learning platforms now offer degrees in various fields, making education more accessible than before.
- Some companies have started to prioritize skills and experience over degrees, adapting to the changing landscape of education and employment.
- Virtual reality is being explored as a tool for immersive degrees in areas like medicine and engineering, providing hands-on experience from anywhere.
Origin of 'degree'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'degree' comes from the Latin 'gradus,' meaning step, which connects to both education and measurement.
- In medieval times, the term was used to refer to ranks or levels in society, indicating social status before becoming linked to education.
- The idea of educational degrees began in universities during the 12th century as a way to signify mastery of a subject.
The word 'degree' originated from the Latin word 'gradus', meaning 'step' or 'grade'. It has been used in various contexts to denote measurement, achievement, and academic recognition. The concept of degrees as academic awards dates back to the middle ages when universities started conferring titles upon their students. Over time, the meaning of 'degree' has evolved to encompass a wide range of measurements and accomplishments.