thesis

noun

the·​sis ˈthē-səs How to pronounce thesis (audio)
 British especially for sense 3  ˈthe-sis
plural theses ˈthē-ˌsēz How to pronounce thesis (audio)
Synonyms of thesisnext
1
: a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view
especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree
2
a
: a proposition to be proved or one advanced without proof : hypothesis
b
: a position or proposition that a person (such as a candidate for scholastic honors) advances and offers to maintain by argument
3
a(1)
: the unstressed part of a poetic foot especially in accentual verse
(2)
: the longer part of a poetic foot especially in quantitative verse
b
: the accented part of a musical measure : downbeat compare arsis
4
: the first and least adequate stage of dialectic compare synthesis

Did you know?

In high school, college, or graduate school, students often have to write a thesis on a topic in their major field of study. In many fields, a final thesis is the biggest challenge involved in getting a master's degree, and the same is true for students studying for a Ph.D. (a Ph.D. thesis is often called a dissertation). But a thesis may also be an idea; so in the course of the paper the student may put forth several theses (notice the plural form) and attempt to prove them.

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of thesis in a Sentence

She wrote her thesis on Renaissance Nativity scenes. a master's thesis on the effects of global warming New evidence supports his thesis. We disagreed with the basic thesis of the report. The book's central thesis is that propaganda influences the masses in important ways.
Recent Examples on the Web Students have access to scholarships like the Robert De Niro Award and get $10,000 towards their thesis projects — a commitment that will continue after a recent anonymous $500,000 donation from an Oscar-winner. —Abbey White, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024 While at the same time making crystal clear that the investment thesis for the company should be entirely focused on its tech endeavors. —Paolo Confino, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for thesis 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

in sense 3, Middle English, lowering of the voice, from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, downbeat, more important part of a foot, literally, act of laying down; in other senses, Latin, from Greek, literally, act of laying down, from tithenai to put, lay down — more at do

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of thesis was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near thesis

the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children

thesis

thesis novel

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Cite this Entry

“Thesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thesis. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

thesis

noun
the·​sis ˈthē-səs How to pronounce thesis (audio)
plural theses ˈthē-ˌsēz How to pronounce thesis (audio)
1
: a statement put forth for discussion or proof : hypothesis
2
: a long essay presenting the results of original research

More from Merriam-Webster on thesis

Nglish: Translation of thesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of thesis for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thesis

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