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thesis noun
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What does the noun thesis mean?
There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun thesis . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
thesis has developed meanings and uses in subjects including
Entry status
OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
How common is the noun thesis ?
How is the noun thesis pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun thesis come from.
Earliest known use
Middle English
The earliest known use of the noun thesis is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).
OED's earliest evidence for thesis is from before 1398, in a translation by John Trevisa, translator.
thesis is a borrowing from Greek.
Etymons: Greek θέσις .
Nearby entries
- thesaurus, n. 1823–
- thesaury, n. a1639–1708
- these, n. a1600–48
- these, pron. & adj. Old English–
- Thesean, adj. 1815–
- Theseid, n. 1725–
- Theseium, n. 1819–
- these-like, adj. 1644–
- thesial, adj. 1654
- thesicle, n. 1863–
- thesis, n. a1398–
- thesis-novel, n. 1934–
- thesis-play, n. 1902–
- thesmophilist, n. 1644–
- Thesmophorian, adj. 1891–
- Thesmophoric, adj. 1788–
- thesmothete, n. 1603–
- thesocyte, n. 1887–
- thesp, n. 1962–
- Thespian, adj. & n. 1675–
- Thespianism, n. 1914–
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Meaning & use
Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for thesis, n..
thesis, n. was first published in 1912; not yet revised.
thesis, n. was last modified in March 2024.
Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:
- corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
- new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.
Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into thesis, n. in March 2024.
Earlier versions of this entry were published in:
OED First Edition (1912)
- Find out more
OED Second Edition (1989)
- View thesis in OED Second Edition
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Citation details
Factsheet for thesis, n., browse entry.
- 1.1 Etymology
- 1.2 Pronunciation
- 1.3.1 Derived terms
- 1.3.2 Related terms
- 1.3.3 Translations
- 1.4 References
- 1.5 Further reading
- 1.6 Anagrams
- 2.1 Etymology
- 2.2 Pronunciation
- 3.1 Etymology
- 3.2 Pronunciation
- 3.3.1 Declension
- 3.3.2 Descendants
- 3.4 References
English [ edit ]
Etymology [ edit ].
From Late Middle English thesis ( “ lowering of the voice ” ) [1] and also borrowed directly from its etymon Latin thesis ( “ proposition, thesis; lowering of the voice ” ) , from Ancient Greek θέσῐς ( thésis , “ arrangement, placement, setting; conclusion, position, thesis; lowering of the voice ” ) , from τῐ́θημῐ ( títhēmi , “ to place, put, set; to put down in writing; to consider as, regard ” ) [2] [3] (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁- ( “ to do; to place, put ” ) ) + -σῐς ( -sis , suffix forming abstract nouns or nouns of action, process, or result ) . The English word is a doublet of deed .
Sense 1.1 (“proposition or statement supported by arguments”) is adopted from antithesis . [2] Sense 1.4 (“initial stage of reasoning”) was first used by the German philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte (1762–1814), and later applied to the dialectical method of his countryman, the philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831).
The plural form theses is borrowed from Latin thesēs , from Ancient Greek θέσεις ( théseis ) .
Pronunciation [ edit ]
- ( Received Pronunciation ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈθiːsɪs/ , ( archaic ) /ˈθɛsɪs/
- ( General American ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈθisɪs/
- Rhymes: -iːsɪs
- Hyphenation: the‧sis
- ( Received Pronunciation ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈθiːsiːz/
- ( General American ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈθisiz/
- Rhymes: -iːsiːz
- Hyphenation: the‧ses
Noun [ edit ]
thesis ( plural theses )
- ( rhetoric ) A proposition or statement supported by arguments .
- 1766 , [ Oliver Goldsmith ], “The Conclusion”, in The Vicar of Wakefield: [ … ] , volume II, Salisbury, Wiltshire: [ … ] B. Collins, for F [ rancis ] Newbery , [ … ] , →OCLC ; reprinted London: Elliot Stock , 1885 , →OCLC , pages 218–219 : I told them of the grave, becoming, and ſublime deportment they ſhould aſſume upon this myſtical occaſion, and read them two homilies and a theſis of my own compoſing, in order to prepare them.
- ( mathematics , computer science ) A conjecture , especially one too vague to be formally stated or verified but useful as a working convention.
- ( logic ) An affirmation , or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis .
- ( philosophy ) In the dialectical method of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel : the initial stage of reasoning where a formal statement of a point is developed ; this is followed by antithesis and synthesis .
- ( music , prosody , originally ) The action of lowering the hand or bringing down the foot when indicating a rhythm ; hence, an accented part of a measure of music or verse indicated by this action; an ictus , a stress . Antonym: arsis
- ( music , prosody , with a reversal of meaning ) A depression of the voice when pronouncing a syllables of a word ; hence, the unstressed part of the metrical foot of a verse upon which such a depression falls , or an unaccented musical note .
Derived terms [ edit ]
- all but thesis
- bachelor's thesis
- Church-Turing thesis
- conflict thesis
- doctoral thesis
- graduate thesis
- Habakkuk thesis
- master's thesis
- Merton thesis
- private language thesis
- thesis defense
- thesis film
- thesis statement
Related terms [ edit ]
Translations [ edit ], references [ edit ].
- ^ “ thē̆sis, n. ”, in MED Online , Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan , 2007.
- ^ “ thesis, n. ”, in Lexico , Dictionary.com ; Oxford University Press , 2019–2022.
Further reading [ edit ]
- “ thesis ”, in The Century Dictionary [ … ] , New York, N.Y.: The Century Co. , 1911, →OCLC .
- “ thesis ”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary , Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam , 1913, →OCLC .
Anagrams [ edit ]
- Heists , Sethis , heists , shiest , shites , sithes , thises
Dutch [ edit ]
From Latin thesis , from Ancient Greek θέσις ( thésis , “ a proposition, a statement, a thing laid down, thesis in rhetoric, thesis in prosody ” ) .
thesis f ( plural theses or thesissen , diminutive thesisje n )
- Dated form of these . Synonyms: dissertatie , proefschrift , scriptie
Latin [ edit ]
From Ancient Greek θέσις ( thésis , “ a proposition, a statement, a thing laid down, thesis in rhetoric, thesis in prosody ” ) .
- ( Classical ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈtʰe.sis/ , [ˈt̪ʰɛs̠ɪs̠]
- ( modern Italianate Ecclesiastical ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈte.sis/ , [ˈt̪ɛːs̬is]
thesis f ( genitive thesis ) ; third declension
Declension [ edit ]
Descendants [ edit ].
- → Dutch: thesis
- → Armenian: թեզ ( tʿez )
- → Dutch: these
- → Persian: تز ( tez )
- → Romanian: teză
- → Turkish: tez
- Galician: tese
- Italian: tesi
- English: thesis
- Portuguese: tese
- Spanish: tesis
- “ thesis ”, in Charlton T. Lewis and Charles Short (1879) A Latin Dictionary , Oxford: Clarendon Press
- thesis in Gaffiot, Félix (1934) Dictionnaire illustré latin-français , Hachette.
- English terms derived from Proto-Indo-European
- English terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰeh₁-
- English terms inherited from Middle English
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- English terms derived from Latin
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Definition of 'thesis'
Video: pronunciation of thesis
thesis in American English
Thesis in british english, examples of 'thesis' in a sentence thesis, related word partners thesis, trends of thesis.
View usage over: Since Exist Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years
In other languages thesis
- American English : thesis / ˈθisɪs /
- Brazilian Portuguese : tese
- Chinese : 论点
- European Spanish : tesis
- French : thèse
- German : These
- Italian : tesi
- Japanese : 主張
- Korean : 논지
- European Portuguese : tese
- Spanish : tesis
- Thai : ข้อสมมุติ, ข้อวินิจฉัย
Browse alphabetically thesis
- thesis play
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- academic thesis
- central thesis
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Plural of Thesis
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The Plural of Thesis
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The standard rules for forming the plurals, why is there confusion over the plural of thesis.
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a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections: He vigorously defended his thesis on the causes of war.
a subject for a composition or essay.
a dissertation on a particular subject in which one has done original research, as one presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree.
Music . the downward stroke in conducting; downbeat. : Compare arsis (def. 1) .
a part of a metrical foot that does not bear the ictus or stress.
(less commonly) the part of a metrical foot that bears the ictus. : Compare arsis (def. 2) .
Philosophy . See under Hegelian dialectic .
Origin of thesis
Word story for thesis, other words for thesis, words that may be confused with thesis.
- 1. antithesis , synthesis , thesis
- 2. dissertation , thesis
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use thesis in a sentence
In “Back Home,” Gil also revisits the nostalgia for the South explored in his Johns Hopkins thesis , “Circle of Stone.”
At least father and son were in alignment on this central thesis : acting “gay”—bad; being thought of as gay—bad.
Her doctoral thesis , says Ramin Takloo at the University of Illinois, was simply outstanding.
Marshall McLuhan long ago argued the now accepted thesis that different mediums have different influences on thinking.
He wrote his Master's thesis on the underrepresentation of young people in Congress.
And indeed for most young men a college thesis is but an exercise for sharpening the wits, rarely dangerous in its later effects.
It will be for the reader to determine whether the main thesis of the book has gained or lost by the new evidence.
But the word thesis , when applied to Systems, does not mean the 'position' of single notes, but of groups of notes.
This conclusion, it need hardly be said, is in entire agreement with the main thesis of the preceding pages.
Sundry outlying Indians, with ammunition to waste, took belly and knee rests and strengthened the thesis to the contrary.
British Dictionary definitions for thesis
/ ( ˈθiːsɪs ) /
a dissertation resulting from original research, esp when submitted by a candidate for a degree or diploma
a doctrine maintained or promoted in argument
a subject for a discussion or essay
an unproved statement, esp one put forward as a premise in an argument
music the downbeat of a bar, as indicated in conducting
(in classical prosody) the syllable or part of a metrical foot not receiving the ictus : Compare arsis
philosophy the first stage in the Hegelian dialectic, that is challenged by the antithesis
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for thesis
The central idea in a piece of writing, sometimes contained in a topic sentence .
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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Definition of thesis noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
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What’s the Plural of Thesis? (Thesises? Theses?)
- November 13, 2022
What’s the plural of “thesis”?
Thesis , (and its plural theses ) is an example of one of the many common English words that has roots elsewhere. In this case, thesis is a word that has roots all the way back to Ancient Greek. Like other similarly structured words: diagnosis , synthesis , analysis , oasis , crisis , nemesis and the like, thesis is by no means the only frequently used Greek word that’s made it to Modern English.
What’s the singular of thesis?
Thesis is a singular noun and refers to one thing (or one thesis ).
What’s a thesis?
Merriam-Webster defines the noun thesis (plural theses ) as follows, “a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree.”
Nouns that end in -sis/ses
Thesis is an irregular plural noun that does not end in the typical -s / -es that regular plural noun forms take. This is so despite that theses plural does in fact end in the conventional -s/-es suffix. Why is it still considered irregular; then, given that it follows the regular plural form? Notice the following regular plural noun forms:
Thesis / theses operates differently. With these Greek words, the -ses does not simply add onto the end of the singular form of the noun; instead, -ses replaces the singular noun’s suffixes, and effectively changes the entire spelling of the word (and arguably the word itself.)
Examples of “thesis” (singular) in sentences
His master thesis was on modal neural networks.
She wrote her thesis on Renaissance Nativity scenes.
We disagreed with the basic thesis of the report.
I’ve made a first draft of my thesis .
The student’s experiments helped her formulate a thesis to share with her professor and classmates.
Examples of “theses” (plural) in sentences
It must not be assumed that Luther’s ninety-five theses produced any considerable direct results.
The collection of theses are ready for publication.
Twenty years after Savonarola’s death Martin Luther made public his theses against indulgences.
Theses are generally examined by two or more specialists.
Theses is the plural form of the singular noun thesis.
Origin of the word “thesis”
Thesis / theses are of Greek origin.
Read about other irregular nouns
- What’s the plural of bison?
- What’s the plural of moose?
- What’s the plural of sheep?
- What’s the plural of ox?
- What’s the plural of cactus?
- What’s the plural of crisis?
- What’s the plural of hypothesis?
Read about other topics in grammar
- What’re personal pronouns?
- What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
- Whose vs who’s?
- Merriam-Webster, thesis/theses.
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What Is a Noun? | Definition, Types & Examples
A noun is a word that represents a person, thing, concept, or place. Most sentences contain at least one noun or pronoun . For example, the sentences below contain anywhere from one to three nouns.
June is my favourite month .
Nouns are one of the main types of words in English, along with other parts of speech such as verbs. They are often, but not always, preceded by an article (‘the’, ‘a’, or ‘an’) or other determiner.
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Table of contents
How are nouns used in sentences, nouns vs pronouns, common vs proper nouns, countable vs uncountable nouns, concrete vs abstract nouns.
- Collective nouns
Other types of nouns
Frequently asked questions about nouns.
A complete sentence usually consists of at least a subject and a verb . The subject describes some person or thing, and the verb describes an action carried out by the subject.
In most cases, the subject is a noun or a pronoun. So the most basic role for a noun is to act as the subject for a verb that follows it.
David went out.
Nouns and pronouns can also play the role of object in a sentence. An object usually comes after the verb and represents something or someone that is affected by the action described. Objects can be direct or indirect:
- The direct object is someone or something that is directly acted upon by the verb.
- The indirect object is someone or something that receives the direct object.
Please give Jeremy some bread .
Noun phrases
When analysing sentence structure, it’s common to refer to noun phrases . A noun phrase is a noun or pronoun in combination with all the words that belong with it in the sentence, such as any articles, adjectives, or other determiners that modify the noun.
A noun phrase can consist of the noun or pronoun alone or of a much longer series of words (always including at least one noun or pronoun).
The boa constrictor is a well-known species of snake .
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Pronouns are a much smaller set of words (such as ‘I’, ‘she’, and ‘they’) that are used in a similar way to nouns. They are primarily used to stand in for a noun that has already been mentioned or to refer to yourself and other people.
Like nouns, pronouns can function as the head of a noun phrase and as the subject or object of a verb. You can have a complete sentence consisting of just a pronoun and a verb (e.g., ‘He walks.’), just as you could with a noun (‘Jack walks.’).
Unlike nouns, some pronouns (mainly the personal pronouns ) change their forms depending on the grammatical context they’re used in. For example, the first-person pronoun is ‘I’ when it’s used as a subject and ‘me’ when it’s used as an object, whereas a noun like ‘dog’ would look the same in both cases.
Have you ever met them before?
That is beside the point.
An important distinction is made between two types of nouns, common nouns and proper nouns.
- Common nouns are more general. A common noun refers to a class of person, place, thing, or concept, but not to someone or something specific.
- Proper nouns are the names of specific people, places, things, or concepts. They are always capitalised to distinguish them from common nouns.
Another important distinction is between countable and uncountable nouns :
- Countable nouns (also called count nouns ) refer to things that can be counted. They can be preceded by an indefinite article or a number, and they can be pluralised. Most nouns are countable (e.g., ‘fact(s)’).
- Uncountable nouns (also called noncount nouns or mass nouns ) refer to things that can’t be counted. They should never be preceded by an indefinite article or a number, and they cannot be pluralised (e.g., ‘information’).
A common mistake in English is treating uncountable nouns as if they were countable by pluralising them or using an indefinite article. The solution to these problems is usually to rephrase using a related term or phrase that is countable.
- My previous two researches indicated that …
- My previous two studies indicated that …
- It’s important to account for bias in a research .
- It’s important to account for bias in research.
- It’s important to account for bias in a research project.
A distinction is often made between concrete nouns and abstract nouns.
- Concrete nouns refer to physical objects, places, or individuals: things or people that can be observed with the senses, such as ‘apple’, ‘hill’, ‘zebra’, and ‘Dorothy’.
- Abstract nouns refer to concepts, ideas, feelings, and processes that can’t be physically located, such as ‘grammar’, ‘justice’, ‘sadness’, and ‘relaxation’.
There’s no grammatical difference between concrete and abstract nouns – it’s just a distinction that’s made to point out the different kinds of things nouns can refer to.
A collective noun is a word used to refer to a group of people or things, such as ‘team’, ‘band’, or ‘herd’. A collective noun can also be a proper noun – for example, the name of a specific company or band.
A collective noun may appear to be singular (e.g., ‘team’) or plural (e.g., ‘The Beatles’) in form, and there’s some disagreement about whether they should be treated as singular or plural grammatically. The following applies for US vs. UK English .
- In US English , it’s standard to treat collective nouns as singular, regardless of whether they look plural or not.
- In UK English , the same words may be treated as plural or singular depending on the context – for example, treated as plural when you’re emphasising the individual members of the group, singular when you’re emphasising the overall collective.
A gaggle of geese is the most threatening thing you’re likely to encounter at the park.
There are many nouns in English (more than any other part of speech), and accordingly many ways of forming nouns and using them. Some other important types of nouns are:
- Possessive nouns
- Attributive nouns
- Appositive nouns
- Generic nouns
A possessive noun is a noun that’s followed by an apostrophe (’) and the letter ‘s’ to indicate possession (e.g., ‘my father’s house’).
To indicate possession with a plural noun that ends in ‘s’, you just add the apostrophe after the ‘s’, and don’t add an extra ‘s’ (e.g., ‘my parents’ house’).
A gerund is a noun that is identical to the present participle (the ‘-ing’ form) of a verb. These are typically nouns that describe the same activity as the verb they were formed from, such as ‘driving’, formed from the present participle of ‘drive’.
Attributive nouns are nouns that are used like adjectives, to modify another noun. For example, ‘company’ is an attributive noun in the phrase ‘company policy’.
Even though attributive nouns work similarly to adjectives, they’re still classed as nouns. This is because they don’t fulfill all the requirements of adjectives. For example, they have to appear before the noun – it wouldn’t make sense to say ‘a policy that is company’.
An appositive noun (or appositive noun phrase) is a noun that comes after another noun to provide additional information about it.
If the appositive provides essential information (i.e., it wouldn’t be clear who or what you are referring to without it), it’s written without any extra punctuation. If it provides extra information that is not essential, it’s surrounded by commas .
A generic noun is a noun that is used to refer to a whole class of things (or people, places, etc.). They can be plural or singular, and they may appear with a definite article, an indefinite article, or no article.
The same noun may be used generically in some contexts and not others. For example, it would be equally possible to use the nouns in the sentences below in a non-generic way (e.g., ‘the people I know best are my brothers’; ‘my father operated a printing press’).
A noun is a word that represents a person, thing, concept, or place (e.g., ‘John’, ‘house’, ‘affinity’, ‘river’). Most sentences contain at least one noun or pronoun .
Nouns are often, but not always, preceded by an article (‘the’, ‘a’, or ‘an’) and/or another determiner such as an adjective.
There are many ways to categorize nouns into various types, and the same noun can fall into multiple categories or even change types depending on context.
Some of the main types of nouns are:
- Common nouns and proper nouns
- Countable and uncountable nouns
- Concrete and abstract nouns
Pronouns are words like ‘I’, ‘she’, and ‘they’ that are used in a similar way to nouns . They stand in for a noun that has already been mentioned or refer to yourself and other people.
Pronouns can function just like nouns as the head of a noun phrase and as the subject or object of a verb. However, pronouns change their forms (e.g., from ‘I’ to ‘me’) depending on the grammatical context they’re used in, whereas nouns usually don’t.
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English Teacher Site
Whats the Plural of Thesis: Understanding Singular and Plural Forms
- The plural of “thesis” adheres to the Greek-rooted pattern, changing the singular -is to a plural -es.
- Accurate use of “thesis” and “theses” reflects scholarly precision in both written and oral communication.
- Awareness of correct pluralization extends to other similar nouns ending in -sis, emphasizing the importance of understanding language origins.
It is crucial to use the word correctly in both singular and plural contexts to maintain the integrity of written and spoken communication. In the realm of academics, precision in language reflects the rigor of one’s research and argumentation. As such, understanding the transformation from “thesis” to its plural counterpart is more than a trivial detail; it reflects a deeper appreciation for the structure and history of the English language.
What’s the Plural of Thesis?
The proper plural of thesis is “theses.” This transformation is part of a broader pattern in the English language where certain nouns change their ending to reflect a plural state.
Below, a comparison is made to illustrate the standard singular to plural transformation for nouns ending in -is:
Key Points about the pluralization of “thesis”:
- The plural follows a specific rule of changing the ‘-is’ ending to ‘-es’.
- This pattern is consistent with other Greek-derived words.
- The pronunciation changes with the plural form, ending in “-eez.”
To clarify usage, consider these examples:
- Singular: The student’s thesis was commended for its clarity.
- Plural: The professor read all the submitted theses before the conference.
Singular Form of Thesis
The singular form of ‘thesis’ is of notable interest due to its origins and distinct pluralization.
Origination and Definition:
- Etymology : Derived from the ancient Greek word τίθημι (tithēmi), which means “to put” or “to place.”
- Meaning : It is a statement or theory put forward to be maintained or proved.
Usage in Academia:
- A significant piece of writing prepared by a student to obtain a university degree or diploma.
- Often involves original research and substantiates a particular view or argument.
Table 1: Notable Features of ‘Thesis’
Table 2: Contextual Examples
Definition of Thesis
A thesis is a substantial piece of scholarly writing that is typically required to obtain a master’s or doctoral degree. It represents the author’s research and findings in their chosen field of study. A thesis serves as evidence that the student has acquired the knowledge necessary to be considered a scholar in the field. Here, two key aspects of a thesis will be described through tables:
Purpose and Composition of a Thesis:
Characteristics of a Thesis:
- Focused : It should have a clear, concise premise or central argument.
- Researched : Employs rigorous methodologies to gather and analyze data.
- Structured : Contains defined sections that present information logically.
- Cited : Includes proper citations of sources that support or contrast the thesis.
- Reviewed : Undergoes scrutiny by academic peers or supervisors.
Other Irregular Plural Nouns Ending in -sis/ses
Below you will find two tables categorized by common and less common irregular plurals that follow this pattern.
Common Irregular Plurals:
This pattern is often observed with words that have Greek origins.
Less Common Irregular Plurals:
It is important to recognize these forms to maintain grammatical accuracy in writing and speech. Below is a list of examples used in sentences:
- When multiple scientific hypotheses are tested, the results can lead to important discoveries.
- During the editing process, Jane had to review all the parentheses to ensure clarity in her writing.
- Geographers study multiple oases in the desert to understand these unique ecosystems.
- His thesis on renewable energy was well-received, and many theses on the subject reference his work.
Examples of Thesis (Singular) in Sentences
Here are examples that demonstrate its usage in various sentences.
In Academic Context
In everyday discourse.
Informal setting : During the debate, his thesis was that space exploration is no longer just a dream but a necessity.
- Discussing beliefs : Her thesis is that all public spaces should offer free Wi-Fi.
- Opinion : They argued the thesis that high taxes discourage spending.
Examples of Theses (Plural) in Sentences
Here are some examples of how “theses” can be used in sentences:
Education Setting : Graduate students often struggle to find unique topics for their theses as most ideas have been extensively explored.
- Evaluating the structure and arguments of different theses can help one build a stronger dissertation.
Origin of the Word Thesis
The term thesis originates from the ancient Greek word θέσις (thésis), which means “a proposition” . Historically, this term has played a crucial role in both rhetorical and academic contexts. It denotes a statement that a writer intends to support and prove. In academic circles, thesis often refers to a document that presents the author’s research and findings and is submitted in support of candidature for a degree or professional qualification.
Etymological Background
The journey of the word from its Greek roots to the modern English language reflects the changing dynamics of educational and scholarly practices over the centuries.
As a carryover from Greek to Latin, the word made its way into English, maintaining its original Greek plural form:
Usage in Academia
In academia, the word has been used since the late Middle Ages to denote a scholarly work written by students aiming to obtain a university degree. Over time, the use of thesis expanded from merely referring to a proposition to a lengthy document providing evidence of comprehensive research.
Historical Evolution:
- Middle Ages : Referred to propositions for a degree.
- Renaissance : Emphasized individual research.
- Modern Usage : Extensive research documents for higher education degrees.
Areas of Impact:
- Rhetoric : Considered as a premise to be argued.
- Academic Research : Reflects comprehensive study in a field.
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Word of the day
Word of the Day: prowess
This word has appeared in 222 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence?
By The Learning Network
prowess \ ˈpraʊ(w)əs \ noun
: a superior skill that can be learned by study, practice and observation
Listen to the pronunciation.
The word prowess has appeared in 222 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Feb. 6 in “ But What Do the Tortured Poets Think ?” by Emma Madden:
Whether or not Ms. Swift herself is a poet has long been a subject of debate. Ms. Burt posited that she was “not a great page-based poet but a major songwriter. Closely related art forms, but not the same.” … Lang Leav, an Australian poet whose work is known to go viral online, added: “I have always admired Taylor Swift for her lyrical prowess , so I was thrilled by the title of her new album. Already, it has a quirky, creative and whimsical vibe.”
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Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
If you want a better idea of how prowess can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com . You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.
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Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com . Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary . See every Word of the Day in this column .
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Word of the Day
What it means.
Aegis is a formal word that refers to the power to protect, control, or support something or someone. It is often used in the phrase under the aegis of .
// The issue will be decided under the aegis of an international organization.
See the entry >
aegis in Context
“French President Emmanuel Macron visited Notre Dame Cathedral on Friday, one year before its scheduled reopening in 2024. … During his visit, Macron paid homage to Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, who oversaw the reconstruction and died in August. Wearing a hardhat, Macron was given a tool to assist as Georgelin’s name was inscribed in the wood of the spire under the aegis of an artisan, memorializing the general’s contribution to the cathedral.” — Thomas Adamson and Sylvie Corbet, The Associated Press , 8 Dec. 2023
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English borrowed aegis from Latin, but the word ultimately comes from the Greek noun aigís , meaning “goatskin.” In ancient Greek mythology, an aegis was something that offered physical protection. It has been depicted in various ways, including as a magical protective cloak made from the skin of the goat that suckled Zeus as an infant, and as a shield fashioned by Hephaestus that bore the severed head of the Gorgon Medusa . The word first entered English in the 15th century as a noun referring to the shield or breastplate associated with Zeus or Athena. It later took on a more general sense of “protection” and, by the late-19th century, it had acquired the extended senses of “ auspices ” and “sponsorship.”
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- The Berkshire Eagle
- Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Letter: I take issue with the word 'creative' being used as a noun
- Apr 12, 2024
- 1 min to read
To the editor: Regarding Mitchell Chapman’s April 8 commentary " Why AI ‘art’ irks me ," I am in complete agreement with every point he makes.
My issue is with his use of the word “creative” as a noun. Mr. Chapman is far from alone in his use of the term. I’m always happy to hear it employed as an adjective — for instance, when someone gives my 4-year old daughter a compliment about her latest painting (“That’s so creative!”) or uses it in its more strictly utilitarian use (“the creative community”).
But I really dislike reading or hearing it used as a noun intended to classify people like me and the majority of my friends. It has a very strange ring to it, as if we were a recently discovered species. My oldest friend is a poet, also from the Berkshires. Many other friends are filmmakers, musicians, composers and so on. As a general term, “artists” is just fine. If someone is looking for something less lofty, then “members of the creative community” sounds about right.
I myself have zero patience with language policing. In this case, I feel that the word takes what we do and depersonalizes it, which is precisely the opposite of Mr. Chapman’s intentions in his fine commentary.
Kent Jones, Brooklyn, N.Y.
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The meaning of THESIS is a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view; especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree. ... thesis. noun. the· sis ˈthē-səs . plural theses ˈthē-ˌsēz . 1: a statement put forth for discussion or proof : hypothesis. 2
thesis (that…) a statement or an opinion that is discussed in a logical way and presented with evidence in order to prove that it is true. The basic thesis of the book is fairly simple. These latest findings support the thesis that sexuality is determined by nature rather than choice.
THESIS definition: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a higher…. Learn more.
Thesis definition: a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections. See examples of THESIS used in a sentence.
THESIS meaning: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a higher…. Learn more.
There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun thesis. See 'Meaning & use' for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. thesis has developed meanings and uses in subjects including. prosody (Middle English) music (Middle English) rhetoric (late 1500s) logic (late 1500s) education (late 1700s) philosophy (1830s)
Noun [ edit] thesis (plural theses) ( rhetoric) A proposition or statement supported by arguments. (by extension) A lengthy essay written to establish the validity of a thesis (sense 1.1), especially one submitted in order to complete the requirements for a non- doctoral degree in the US and a doctoral degree in the UK; a dissertation .
thesis in American English. (ˈθisɪs) noun Word forms: plural -ses (-siz) 1. a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, esp. one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections. He vigorously defended his thesis on the causes of war. 2. a subject for a composition or essay. 3.
thesis: 1 n an unproved statement put forward as a premise in an argument Type of: assumption , premise , premiss a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn n a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree Synonyms: dissertation Type ...
THESIS meaning: 1. a long piece of writing that you do as part of an advanced university course: 2. a theory that…. Learn more.
plural theses / ˈθiːˌsiːz/. Britannica Dictionary definition of THESIS. [count] 1. : a long piece of writing on a particular subject that is done to earn a degree at a university. She wrote her thesis on Renaissance Nativity scenes. a master's/doctoral thesis on the effects of global warming. 2. formal : a statement that someone wants to ...
Thesis definition: A proposition that is maintained by argument. Dictionary Thesaurus Sentences Grammar Vocabulary Usage ... Other Word Forms of Thesis Noun Singular: thesis. Plural: theses. Origin of Thesis Latin from Greek from tithenai to ...
"Theses" is the only way to make the noun "thesis" plural. Confusion arises because some mistakenly believe that all nouns ending in "s" should form a plural that adds "es" to the end of the word. When a noun ends with "is," you need to replace the "is" with an "es" to form the plural. This is because its plural form derives from Greek.
Thesis definition: a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections. See examples of THESIS used in a sentence.
Definition of thesis noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Synonyms for THESIS: argument, contention, assertion, hypothesis, theory, guess, assumption, hunch; Antonyms of THESIS: fact, knowledge, assurance, certainty
Thesis, which means "proposition", and derives from Greek, is a singular noun. The plural of thesis is theses. Started Grammarflex (ing) in 2022—been a word nerd and writing enthusiast ever since. (BA, MA in phil).
THESIS definition: 1. a long piece of writing that you do as part of an advanced university course: 2. a theory that…. Learn more.
A noun is a word that represents a person, thing, concept, or place. Most sentences contain at least one noun or pronoun. For example, the sentences below contain anywhere from one to three nouns. The dog ran very fast. June is my favourite month. Teachers emphasise the importance of grammar. Nouns are one of the main types of words in English ...
The plural of thesis is "theses.". In English, most nouns form the plural by adding an "s" at the end. However, "thesis" is one of the few exceptions to this rule. The word "thesis" has a Greek root, and "theses" is how it is pluralized in that original language. Singular.
The plural of "thesis" adheres to the Greek-rooted pattern, changing the singular -is to a plural -es. Accurate use of "thesis" and "theses" reflects scholarly precision in both written and oral communication. Awareness of correct pluralization extends to other similar nouns ending in -sis, emphasizing the importance of understanding language origins.
Noun (theses) A statement supported by arguments. A written essay, especially one submitted for a university degree. * Goldsmith ; I told them of the grave, becoming, and sublime deportment they should assume upon this mystical occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, to prepare them. (logic) An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis.
prowess \ ˈpraʊ (w)əs \ noun. : a superior skill that can be learned by study, practice and observation. Listen to the pronunciation. The word prowess has appeared in 222 articles on NYTimes ...
THESIS - Synonyms, related words and examples | Cambridge English Thesaurus
The word first entered English in the 15th century as a noun referring to the shield or breastplate associated with Zeus or Athena. It later took on a more general sense of "protection" and, by the late-19th century, it had acquired the extended senses of " auspices " and "sponsorship."
My issue is with his use of the word "creative" as a noun. Mr. Chapman is far from alone in his use of the term. I'm always happy to hear it employed as an adjective — for instance, when someone gives my 4-year old daughter a compliment about her latest painting ("That's so creative!") or uses it in its more strictly utilitarian ...