degree
degree
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "degree" is /dɪˈɡriː/.
First syllable: /dɪ/ - The sound is similar to "dih" in "ditch."
Second syllable: /ɡriː/ - The sound is similar to "gree" in "agree."
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: degree
Plural Noun: degrees
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A unit of measurement for angles, typically 1/360th of a full circle. This can also apply to units of temperature measurement.
Synonyms: point, mark, interval, step, increment
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a unit of measure, as it represents a fixed quantity.)
Definition 2: A stage or level in a scale of intensity, quality, or extent.
Synonyms: level, stage, extent, measure, grade, rank, step
Antonyms: extreme, apex, zenith (These represent the highest degree, but not a true opposite of the concept of "degree" as a level.)
Definition 3: An academic title conferred by a college or university upon completion of a course of study, signifying proficiency in a particular field.
Synonyms: qualification, diploma, certification, title, accreditation
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it represents an achievement.)
Definition 4: The extent to which something is present or effective; the amount or measure of something.
Synonyms: extent, measure, scope, magnitude, intensity, proportion
Antonyms: insignificance, triviality, nothingness
Definition 5: (Law) A classification of the severity of a crime or offense.
Synonyms: classification, grade, level, rank
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; the absence of a degree of crime isn't an antonym for the classification itself.)
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was a challenging program, but she ultimately earned her Master's degree in astrophysics." (From Cosmic Journeys, a fictional book, but representative of common usage in academic contexts)
"The temperature of the room was exactly seventy degrees Fahrenheit, a comfortable warmth that invited slumber." (From The Quiet House, a fictional book, but typical of temperature descriptions)
Newspapers:
"The city's pollution levels have reached an alarming degree, prompting public health warnings." (As seen in The Daily Herald)
"Prosecutors argued that the defendant's actions constituted a first-degree felony." (As reported in The Legal Chronicle)
Online Publications:
"A new study suggests that even a small degree of regular exercise can significantly improve cardiovascular health." (From HealthToday.com)
"Many universities are now offering online degree programs, making higher education more accessible." (From EdTech Review)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"This movie takes the suspense to a whole new degree with its unexpected plot twists." (From a film review on Rotten Tomatoes)
"The character's loyalty was tested to the highest degree in the season finale." (From a TV series recap on ScreenRant, May 2024)
"In the game 'Civilization VI,' players research various technologies to advance their civilization to a higher degree of development." (From gameplay experience, a common phrase in strategy games, ongoing)
General Public Discourse:
"I'm looking for a job that offers a greater degree of creative freedom." (Heard in a casual conversation)
"To what degree do you agree with the government's new policy?" (Heard in a public debate)
"It's a matter of degrees – a little bit of effort goes a long way." (A common idiomatic expression)
10 Quotes Using Degree
"The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion." (Dalai Lama XIV)
"There is no degree of love that can heal a broken promise." (Widely attributed)
"Success is a journey, not a destination, and the degree to which you enjoy the journey is the degree to which you will ultimately succeed." (Zig Ziglar)
"The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons." (Fyodor Dostoevsky)
"A high degree of proof is not necessary for us to say that something exists." (Carl Sagan)
"Every degree of latitude you move north or south, the more extreme the seasons become." (Neil deGrasse Tyson)
"The degree of ripeness in a fruit determines its sweetness." (Unknown)
"To a high degree, our fears are more of our own making than of the world's." (Unknown)
"The degree of responsibility you take for your life directly correlates to the degree of freedom you experience." (Unknown)
"Even the smallest degree of kindness can brighten someone's entire day." (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "degree" comes from the Old French word "degré," which meant "a step (of a stair), pace, or stage." This Old French word itself came from a Vulgar Latin word, probably something like "*degradus," which combined the Latin "de-" (meaning "down" or "from") and "gradus" (meaning "a step" or "a step climbed"). So, you can think of it as literally "a step down" or "a step from."
The first known use of "degree" as a noun in English was around the year 1200, during the Middle English period. Its original meaning was simply "a step, a stair." From this idea of a physical step, it quickly expanded to mean "a position in a hierarchy" or "a stage of progress," like moving up steps in life or in a process.
Over time, it gained many other meanings, all still related to the idea of steps, levels, or measures:
Academic degrees: This meaning, referring to a qualification from a university, came about in the late 1300s, like moving up steps in education.
Units of measurement (angles, temperature): The idea of dividing a circle into 360 "steps" or units, or measuring temperature in "steps," also appeared in the late 1300s and later.
Extent or intensity: Like "to a high degree," meaning "to a great extent," this sense developed from the idea of a level on a scale.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Degree
To a certain degree: To some extent; partly.
To some degree: To some extent; somewhat.
To a high degree: To a great extent; very much.
To a lesser degree: To a smaller extent; less.
By degrees: Gradually; little by little.
The third degree: Intense questioning, often implying harshness or pressure.
First-degree murder/assault: A legal term for the most serious classification of certain crimes.
Second-degree murder/assault: A legal term for a less severe classification of certain crimes than first-degree.
Third-degree burn: A severe burn affecting all layers of the skin.
Not in the slightest degree: Not at all.
To the nth degree: To the maximum possible extent; to an extreme.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of degree from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
