thesis

noun

the·​sis ˈthē-səs How to pronounce thesis (audio)
 British especially for sense 3  ˈthe-sis
plural theses ˈthē-ˌsēz How to pronounce thesis (audio)
1
: a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view
especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree
2
a
: a proposition to be proved or one advanced without proof : hypothesis
b
: a position or proposition that a person (such as a candidate for scholastic honors) advances and offers to maintain by argument
3
a(1)
: the unstressed part of a poetic foot especially in accentual verse
(2)
: the longer part of a poetic foot especially in quantitative verse
b
: the accented part of a musical measure : downbeat compare arsis
4
: the first and least adequate stage of dialectic compare synthesis

Did you know?

In high school, college, or graduate school, students often have to write a thesis on a topic in their major field of study. In many fields, a final thesis is the biggest challenge involved in getting a master's degree, and the same is true for students studying for a Ph.D. (a Ph.D. thesis is often called a dissertation). But a thesis may also be an idea; so in the course of the paper the student may put forth several theses (notice the plural form) and attempt to prove them.

Examples of thesis in a Sentence

She wrote her thesis on Renaissance Nativity scenes. a master's thesis on the effects of global warming New evidence supports his thesis. We disagreed with the basic thesis of the report. The book's central thesis is that propaganda influences the masses in important ways.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The significant investment in Anthropic validates a new thesis: Building safe and aligned AI is not just ethical but a compelling investment opportunity. Elena Volotovskaya, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 In addition to the 27 films screening at CIFF, the fest will feature a section titled the Student Film Corner, a place for college students in Croatia and neighboring countries to screen their thesis films. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 3 June 2025 This a novel in the form of an MFA thesis, written to expose a revolving door of love affairs of the professors who are reading it, not to mention the graduate student who wrote it. Emily Temple may 27, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025 Over his long life and career the director made several films exploring historical guilt and complicity, often with a bold and provocative thesis and a willingness to prod his subjects into uncomfortable territory. Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for thesis

Word History

Etymology

in sense 3, Middle English, lowering of the voice, from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, downbeat, more important part of a foot, literally, act of laying down; in other senses, Latin, from Greek, literally, act of laying down, from tithenai to put, lay down — more at do

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of thesis was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Thesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thesis. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

thesis

noun
the·​sis ˈthē-səs How to pronounce thesis (audio)
plural theses ˈthē-ˌsēz How to pronounce thesis (audio)
1
: a statement put forth for discussion or proof : hypothesis
2
: a long essay presenting the results of original research

More from Merriam-Webster on thesis

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