noun
degree
dih-GREE/dɪˈɡriː/
A qualification awarded for completing a course of academic study.
She earns a degree in biology at the local university.
Etymology
The ancestor meant both a physical step and a position in a hierarchy. An academic degree applies that image of ordered steps to a rank formally conferred by an educational institution.
In context
short answer to that um is i have a diverse background i come from a solidly working class family i'm actually the first person in my family with a college degree
More examples
- This job requires a bachelor's degree.
- He is studying for a master's degree in education.
- Both applicants have degrees from accredited colleges.
Forms
degree · degrees
Similar words
- diploma
- Often names the document certifying graduation, rather than the qualification.
- certificate
- Usually recognizes a shorter or more specialized course of study.
- qualification
- Broader term covering credentials beyond completed academic study.