Reading Theme:
Thesis: Definition, Meaning, and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：dissertation (Thesis)
Thesis
/ˈθiːsɪs/
n.
A very long piece of writing that students do at the end of their university studies to get a degree.
dissertation
➕
/ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃən/
n.
A lengthy scholarly document written to fulfill degree requirements, presenting original research.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'thesis' (placing, proposition). 'the-' (place) + '-sis' (noun suffix).
💡 Mnemonic
Thesis: 'The' + 'sis' - think of 'the' central idea you 'sit' (sis) on during your defense.
📖 Example
After three years of experiments, she finally submitted her thesis on solar energy.
After three years of experiments, she finally submitted her thesis on solar energy.
🔗 Collocations
submit a thesis – to hand in one's final academic paper for evaluation
thesis defense – a formal oral exam to defend one's research findings
thesis supervisor – the professor who guides the student's thesis work
🔄 Synonyms
dissertation (n.) – a long formal piece of writing on a particular subject, especially for a university degree
monograph (n.) – a detailed written study of a single specialized subject
paper (n.) – an academic article or essay
🌱 Derivatives
thetic (adj.) – relating to or consisting of a thesis
antithesis (n.) – the opposite or contrast of something
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Greek 'thesis' (a placing), it was used in ancient logic for a proposition. In modern academia, a thesis is either a degree dissertation or a central argument.
Meaning 2：central argument (Thesis)
Thesis
/ˈθiːsɪs/
n.
The main idea or argument that you try to prove in a speech, essay, or discussion.
central argument
➕
/ˈsentrəl ˈɑːrɡjʊmənt/
n.
The principal claim or proposition that an author supports in a discussion.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The main thesis of the documentary is that kindness can change the world.
The main thesis of the documentary is that kindness can change the world.
🔗 Collocations
prove a thesis – to provide evidence supporting the main claim
thesis statement – a sentence that states the main argument of an essay
challenge the thesis – to question or oppose the main idea presented
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
antithesis (n.) – the direct opposite of something
🌱 Derivatives
antithesis (n.) – a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else
synthesis (n.) – the combination of ideas to form a theory or system
Wordbook
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