Meaning of Word
A “dissertation” is a long written work or thesis, typically required for a doctorate or higher academic degree, presenting original research on a specific topic.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Dissertation (noun): A formal, lengthy written treatise or research paper, especially one submitted for a doctorate degree.
- Dissertation (noun): A detailed written study on a particular subject, typically academic in nature, that involves in-depth research and analysis.
- Example: “She spent two years working on her doctoral dissertation about climate change.”
- Example: “The dissertation is the final step toward earning a PhD.”
History and Origin
The word “dissertation” comes from the Latin dissertatio, meaning “a discussion” or “treatise.” It derives from dissertare, which means “to discuss” or “to argue.” The use of the term for academic papers emerged during the Renaissance, when the concept of scholarly research became formalized in European universities. Historically, dissertations were written for bachelor’s or master’s degrees, but over time, the term has become most closely associated with doctoral research, particularly in disciplines like philosophy, science, and the humanities.
Detailed Explanation
A dissertation is a lengthy, formal written work that presents the results of original research or an in-depth analysis on a specific academic topic. It is typically the culmination of years of study and research and is often a requirement for obtaining a PhD or other advanced degree.
- Research Component: A dissertation usually involves thorough research, original investigation, or experimentation that contributes new knowledge to a particular field of study. It is expected to provide a novel perspective or solution to an existing problem or question.
- Structure: A dissertation is typically structured into several sections, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Each part has a specific purpose in presenting and analyzing the research.
- Length and Detail: Dissertations are generally long, often several hundred pages, reflecting the extensive research and detailed analysis involved in their creation. They require careful planning, writing, and revision.
- Purpose: The purpose of a dissertation is to demonstrate the author’s ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and contribute new ideas or solutions to their field of study.
Example Sentences
- His dissertation on artificial intelligence was published in a major scientific journal.
- The PhD candidate spent over five years researching for her dissertation.
- Writing a dissertation can be one of the most challenging aspects of earning a doctoral degree.
- The university requires all students to submit a dissertation as part of their doctoral program.
- Her dissertation examines the effects of social media on youth culture.
- He defended his dissertation in front of a panel of professors.
- She is currently revising her dissertation based on feedback from her advisor.
- His dissertation was praised for its thorough research and clear writing.
- Completing a dissertation can take months of hard work and dedication.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Thesis: A formal written work, similar to a dissertation, usually for a master’s degree.
- Treatise: A written work that deals with a specific subject in great detail, often used in academic contexts.
- Disquisition: An academic essay or written argument on a particular topic, similar to a dissertation.
- Research paper: A written work based on original research, often shorter and less formal than a dissertation.
- Monograph: A detailed, scholarly work on a specific topic, often associated with dissertations or research papers.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- PhD: A doctoral degree, for which a dissertation is often required as part of the graduation process.
- Academia: The environment or community associated with higher education and scholarly work, where dissertations are common.
- Thesis defense: A formal presentation and examination of a dissertation or thesis by an academic committee.
- Literature review: A section of a dissertation that summarizes and evaluates existing research on a particular topic.
- Research methodology: The methods and techniques used in conducting research, an essential part of a dissertation.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Doctoral program: A graduate-level academic program that often requires writing and defending a dissertation for completion.
- Graduate study: Advanced study beyond a bachelor’s degree, which can involve writing a dissertation.
- Academic writing: A style of writing used in scholarly work, including dissertations, which is formal and evidence-based.
- Independent research: Original research conducted by the author of a dissertation, as opposed to summarizing existing studies.
- Publication: The act of publishing research, which may follow the completion of a dissertation.
Antonyms
- Undergraduate paper: A shorter, less formal research paper required at the undergraduate level, in contrast to a dissertation.
- Essay: A shorter piece of writing typically based on analysis or argumentation, less extensive than a dissertation.
- Report: A detailed written account of findings or observations, often factual and less in-depth than a dissertation.
- Summary: A concise statement or account of something, opposite of the long, detailed nature of a dissertation.
- Booklet: A small book or pamphlet, often containing less detail and depth than a dissertation.
