Degree

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

UK: /dɪˈɡriː/ | US: /dɪˈɡriː/

Definitions

• A unit of measurement for angles, equal to 1/360th of a full rotation.
• A level or stage in a scale, hierarchy, or progression.
• An academic qualification awarded by a university or college after completion of a course of study.
• A measure of temperature in Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin.

Usage Examples

• The angle is 90 degrees, forming a right angle.
• He earned a degree in physics from Oxford University.
• The temperature dropped by ten degrees overnight.
• She agreed with him to some degree, but not entirely.

Etymology

From Old French degré, from Latin degradus meaning "step" or "rank".

Synonyms

Level, rank, stage, step, extent

Antonyms

Disorder, insignificance, reduction

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /dɪˈɡriː/
• American English: /dɪˈɡriː/
• Australian English: /dɪˈɡriː/ (similar to British pronunciation)

Historical Usage

The concept of degrees as a unit of measurement dates back to ancient Babylonian mathematics. In education, degrees have been awarded by universities since the Middle Ages.

Cultural Nuances

Degrees hold significant cultural and professional value. In academia, a degree often represents expertise in a subject, while in everyday language, the term "degree" is used metaphorically to indicate levels of intensity or agreement.

More Information

Degrees are used in various disciplines, including mathematics, geography, and education. The significance of a degree varies by country, with different grading and qualification systems worldwide. In science, temperature degrees are essential for measurements in weather, cooking, and physics.