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[ thee -sis ]
He vigorously defended his thesis on the causes of war.
Synonyms: proposal , contention , theory
/ ˈθiːsɪs /
Origin of thesis 1
“The Saudis have been proving the thesis of the film — they do in fact have an army,” said Thor Halvorssen, founder and chief executive of the nonprofit Human Rights Foundation, which funded the movie.
It’s a hypothesis that Bush pursued in her master’s thesis, and last year she began attending virtual Goth parties in a final round of field work before defending her doctoral thesis later this year.
While this partnership was planned prior to the coronavirus outbreak, co-founder Jordana Kier said the pandemic instantly proved out the expansion thesis.
They’ve had to defend that thesis for a very, very long time in front of a variety of different customers and different people.
Over the past decade, In-Q-Tel has been one of the most active investors in the commercial space sector, with a broad investment thesis that touches many aspects of the sector.
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.
Plural word for thesis.
The plural form of thesis is theses , pronounced [ thee -seez ]. The plurals of several other singular words that end in -is are also formed in this way, including hypothesis / hypotheses , crisis / crises , and axis / axes . A similar change is made when pluralizing appendix as appendices .
Irregular plurals that are formed like theses derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin and Greek.
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There are seven 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
OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
1750 | 1.6 |
1760 | 1.8 |
1770 | 2.6 |
1780 | 1.9 |
1790 | 1.7 |
1800 | 1.9 |
1810 | 1.4 |
1820 | 1.3 |
1830 | 1.3 |
1840 | 1.8 |
1850 | 2.0 |
1860 | 1.8 |
1870 | 2.6 |
1880 | 2.9 |
1890 | 3.7 |
1900 | 4.2 |
1910 | 5.7 |
1920 | 8.2 |
1930 | 13 |
1940 | 15 |
1950 | 19 |
1960 | 24 |
1970 | 27 |
1980 | 27 |
1990 | 25 |
2000 | 23 |
2010 | 23 |
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 .
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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 December 2023.
Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:
Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into thesis, n. in December 2023.
Earlier versions of this entry were published in:
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Factsheet for thesis, n., browse entry.
The word "thesis" comes from the Ancient Greek word "τίθημι" (tithēmi) , meaning "to put, place, set".
A thesis is a formal written argument presented by a student or researcher to fulfill the requirements of an academic degree. It typically involves original research and analysis on a specific topic.
The concept of the thesis as a formal academic document developed over many centuries.
Key Points:
A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. "The thesis was published in an academic journal and received widespread recognition."
The thesis is typically a central idea or argument that is developed and presented in a written work, such as a dissertation or research paper. In higher education, a thesis is often a requirement for a graduate degree, such as a Master's or a PhD. The thesis is usually written under the supervision of a thesis advisor or mentor, and it presents original research or an original interpretation of existing research on a specific topic. The main purpose of a thesis is to contribute new knowledge and understanding to the field of study. It must be based on a rigorous research, the results must be presented in a logical and coherent manner and it must be written in a scholarly manner. Additionally, the thesis should demonstrate the student's ability to conduct independent research, to critically evaluate the existing literature, and to communicate their ideas effectively.
1. Her thesis on renewable energy proposed innovative solutions for sustainability. 2. The professor praised the clarity of his student's thesis on social inequality. 3. The thesis of his argument was that technology enhances human communication. 4. The thesis of the book challenged conventional wisdom on economic policy. 5. Grad students often spend years researching and writing their theses. 6. The thesis behind the research project aimed to address pressing health issues.
The noun ' thesis ' has its etymological roots in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word 'θέσις' (thésis), which means 'a setting down' or 'a position.' In the context of ancient Greece, ' thesis ' was used to refer to a proposition or statement that was put forward as the basis of an argument or discussion. It represented a foundational idea or premise that was to be maintained or proved through reasoning and evidence. As the term entered the English language, it retained this fundamental sense and is now commonly used to describe a statement or theory that serves as the central point of an argument or research project. It embodies the concept of a position or assertion that is presented for examination and verification. Therefore, the etymology of ' thesis ' underscores its use as a noun to denote a statement or theory set forth as a premise to be upheld or substantiated.
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1. She defended her thesis before a panel of expert examiners. 2. The conference featured presentations on a wide range of academic theses. 3. His groundbreaking thesis reshaped the field of quantum physics. 4. The thesis statement should encapsulate the main argument of your essay. 5. The thesis explored the intersection of art, culture, and identity in society. 6. The professor praised the student's thesis for its originality and depth. 7. His thesis explored the intersection of psychology and literature. 8. The defense of her thesis was a nerve-wracking but rewarding experience. 9. The thesis statement succinctly summarized the main argument of the paper. 10. The committee members engaged in a lively debate about the merits of the thesis . 11. The thesis proposed a new framework for understanding economic inequality. 12. After hours of editing, her thesis was finally ready for submission. 13. The library had an extensive collection of theses from various academic fields. 14. He was awarded a scholarship for his outstanding thesis on urban planning. 15. The thesis challenged existing theories and presented a fresh perspective. 16. The thesis project required extensive fieldwork and data analysis. 17. Her thesis was published in a reputable journal, gaining widespread recognition. 18. The thesis defense was attended by faculty members, peers, and family. 19. The thesis examined the historical context of the Renaissance art movement. 20. The graduate student presented her thesis findings at an international conference. 21. The thesis highlighted the need for further research in the field of genetics. 22. The thesis concluded with a call to action for policy changes in healthcare. 23. The advisor provided valuable guidance throughout the thesis writing process. 24. The thesis was a culmination of years of research and academic dedication.
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Advancement and Improvement, Analytical and Interpretive, Nuance and Precision, Resilience and Resolve, Endeavor and Pursuit, Education and Mastery
argument,assertion,hypothesis,postulate,proposition,supposition
idea,proposal,subject
Quiz categories containing thesis.
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proposition, fact, certainty, proof
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Understanding what a thesis is can help you improve your written and spoken communication.
There are countless different contexts where this word is used, and knowing how to properly use it can help you communicate effectively in your field. If you want to be the most effective and successful communicator possible, feel free to read and learn about this essential word !
This is everything you need to know about what this word means, where it comes from in etymology, and how it is used.
The definition of thesis (ˈθi sɪs, ˈθiːsɪs, the-sis, plural theses) in American English is the main idea presented in an essay. In other words, the central message of the piece. Behind every literary device and rhetorical strategy stands a thesis. Thesis statements don’t just appear at the beginning of your paper; they should be woven into every sentence you write.
Your thesis statement will probably be one of two things: an assertion that something is true or an argument for why something should be done (or not done).
A Thesis statement is a sentence that contains the main idea of a written work.
All other sentences in a paper should explain, prove, or describe this main idea. Thesis statements are often used in reports to express a central message of an essay or article. Researchers commonly use them to propose a hypothesis and then test it with evidence from their study.
If you look in a thesaurus for word lists of synonyms for the word thesis, you’ll likely find words including:
When it comes to the world of academics, the word thesis has another similar yet different meaning.
A thesis is a long-form piece of writing, often a research paper, that is used as the final project of a university degree, like a master’s degree.
A master’s thesis is a project that contains lots of original research and is used to cap off an academic degree. It is how a student takes an unproved statement and then proves it through extensive writing.
If you’re studying a language like Greek, Spanish, Arabic, or Late Latin, you’ll likely have to do an extensive study — and write a thesis — to prove your knowledge of the language. The main goal of a thesis is to establish the synthesis of knowledge that a student is capable of and ensure that they can operate well in the academic world.
Before a student or researcher begins writing a paper, they must have a thesis statement. This thesis statement is one sentence that describes how you will support your argument and what evidence you will provide in your paper. In many cases, it is the last sentence of your introduction paragraph and appears again as the first sentence of the body paragraph:
A thesis statement usually evolves only after considerable reading, writing, and thinking has been done on your topic. Your thesis changes and develops as you write it, so by the time you arrive at the end, you will know what your paper is about and should be able to sum it up clearly in a sentence or two.
The word thesis comes from the Greek word θέσις (thésis), which means “placement” or “setting.” The term was first used in English in 1632 by William Lilly. As time has progressed, the word has entered into many different languages, including Latin tithenai , French, and Middle English.
Throughout its different stages of development, the word has remained relatively the same. However, this word’s collocations and more specific meanings have gradually changed over the years.
Luckily, as long as you’re only sticking to English, thesis is a word with meanings that are relatively consistent and easy to understand!
One of the best ways to learn how to use a word is by seeing it in use in the context of actual-world sentences and conversations.
Here are some excellent examples of thesis being used in everyday sentences, so you can start using the word for yourself!
As he started his conversation, the lowering of his voice enticed everyone to listen intently to his thesis presentation.
The first research stage for her doctoral thesis meant studying the Hegelian people.
Mr. Tese’s master’s thesis primarily focused on a tiny part of a metrical foot in poetry, which was reasonably interesting for many poets.
My entire paper’s central thesis was based on how the downbeat is not the most crucial part of music — the backbeat is.
My professor keeps telling me that the thesis statement is, by far, the most critical part of any essay, and I’m starting to believe her.
It took nearly six months to write the first draft of my thesis, which was really exhausting.
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Sources:
Thesis Definition & Meaning | Merriam-Webster
Thesis definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
Thesis – Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
Definition of thesis noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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late 14c., in logic, "a previous proposition from which another follows, a judgment causing another judgment," from Old French premisse (14c.), from Medieval Latin praemissa (propositio or sententia) " (the proposition) set before," noun use of fem. past participle of Latin praemi.
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. How to use thesis in a sentence.
The term thesis comes from the Greek word θέσις, meaning "something put forth", and refers to an intellectual proposition. Dissertation comes from the Latin dissertātiō, meaning "discussion". Aristotle was the first philosopher to define the term thesis.
thesis (plural theses) Senses relating to logic, rhetoric, etc. 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 ...
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. Synonyms: proposal, contention, theory. a subject for a composition or essay.
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.
The word "thesis" comes from the Ancient Greek word "τίθημι" (tithēmi), meaning "to put, place, set". Meaning: A thesis is a formal written argument presented by a student or researcher to fulfill the requirements of an academic degree.
The thesis is typically a central idea or argument that is developed and presented in a written work, such as a dissertation or research paper. In higher education, a thesis is often a requirement for a graduate degree, such as a Master's or a PhD.
A Thesis statement is a sentence that contains the main idea of a written work. All other sentences in a paper should explain, prove, or describe this main idea. Thesis statements are often used in reports to express a central message of an essay or article.
thesis (on something) a long piece of writing completed by a student as part of a university degree, based on their own research. Students must submit a thesis on an agreed subject within four years. Extra Examples. He's doing a doctoral thesis on the early works of Shostakovich.