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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Degree Meaning, Examples & Common Usage (3 meaning)

Meaning 1：extent or level (degree)

degree 🔊

/dɪˈɡriː/

The amount, level, or strength of something that exists or happens.

Degree scale showing slight moderate extreme levels infographic

extent or level 🔊

➕

/ɪkˈstent ɔːr ˈlɛv.əl/

Refers to the amount, level, or strength of a quality or phenomenon.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'de-' (down) + 'gradus' (step), meaning a step or grade in a scale.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'de' + 'gree' like 'steps' — each degree is a step up in temperature, angle, or education.

📖 Example

He succeeded to a large degree because of his hard work and positive attitude. 🔊 He succeeded to a large degree because of his hard work and positive attitude.

🔗 Collocations

to a large degree – to a great extent

to a certain degree – to some extent

degree of freedom – measure of independence

🔄 Synonyms

extent (n.) – The area covered or amount of something.

level (n.) – A position on a scale.

measure (n.) – A standard unit or quantity.

🚫 Antonyms

lack (n.) – The state of being without.

minimum (n.) – The smallest amount possible.

🌱 Derivatives

gradual (adj.) – Happening slowly or by degrees.

graduate (n.) – A person who has completed a course of study.

degrade (v.) – To lower in quality or rank.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Old French 'degre' and Latin 'gradus' (step), 'degree' evolved from referring to a step in rank to its modern academic and measurement uses.

Meaning 2：academic qualification (degree)

degree 🔊

/dɪˈɡriː/

A qualification given to a student by a university or college after completing a course of study.

Hand holding rolled university degree certificate with gown

academic qualification 🔊

➕

/ˌæk.əˈdɛm.ɪk ˌkwɒl.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

A formal recognition awarded by a college or university upon completion of a course of study.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

After four years of study, she proudly received her bachelor's degree in computer science. 🔊 After four years of study, she proudly received her bachelor's degree in computer science.

🔗 Collocations

bachelor's degree – undergraduate degree

master's degree – graduate degree

degree program – course leading to a degree

🔄 Synonyms

diploma (n.) – A document certifying completion of a course.

certificate (n.) – An official document attesting to a qualification.

qualification (n.) – A skill or credential that fits someone for a role.

🚫 Antonyms

dropout (n.) – A person who leaves school before completing a course.

🌱 Derivatives

undergraduate (n.) – A student working for a bachelor's degree.

postgraduate (n.) – A student studying beyond a bachelor's degree.

graduation (n.) – The act of receiving a degree.

Meaning 3：unit of temperature or angle (degree)

degree 🔊

/dɪˈɡriː/

A unit for measuring temperature (like Celsius or Fahrenheit) or the size of an angle.

Thermometer and protractor measuring temperature and angle degrees

unit of temperature or angle 🔊

➕

/ˈjuː.nɪt ʌv ˈtɛm.pər.ə.tʃər ɔːr ˈæŋ.ɡəl/

A standardized measure for temperature (Celsius, Fahrenheit) or for angles (degrees in a circle).

📁 Category：Science & Technology 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The weather forecast says the temperature will drop to five degrees Celsius tonight, so remember to wear a coat. 🔊 The weather forecast says the temperature will drop to five degrees Celsius tonight, so remember to wear a coat.

🔗 Collocations

degree Celsius – unit for Celsius scale

degree Fahrenheit – unit for Fahrenheit scale

90-degree angle – angle of 90 degrees

🔄 Synonyms

unit (n.) – A standard quantity used for measurement.

measure (n.) – A system or standard of measurement.

grad (n.) – A unit of angle equal to one hundredth of a right angle.

🌱 Derivatives

centigrade (adj.) – Related to the Celsius temperature scale.

angular (adj.) – Related to angles.