dissertation
A long, formal piece of writing on a particular subject, typically submitted for a university degree. It involves extensive independent research and is often the final requirement for completing an undergraduate or master's program.
Examples
3 of 5I've been spending every weekend at the library working on my dissertation.
I have been using all my weekend time at the library to complete my final university research paper.
The student was required to submit a 10,000-word dissertation by the end of the semester.
The learner had to hand in a long academic report of ten thousand words before the term finished.
I'm halfway through my diss and I still haven't found enough sources.
I have finished half of my long paper but I need more academic references.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Dissertation' as your final 'Station' in the journey of your university degree.
Quick Quiz
After two years of research, Marcus finally finished writing his ______ on medieval history.
Correct!
The correct answer is: dissertation
Examples
I've been spending every weekend at the library working on my dissertation.
everydayI have been using all my weekend time at the library to complete my final university research paper.
The student was required to submit a 10,000-word dissertation by the end of the semester.
formalThe learner had to hand in a long academic report of ten thousand words before the term finished.
I'm halfway through my diss and I still haven't found enough sources.
informalI have finished half of my long paper but I need more academic references.
A successful dissertation must demonstrate a high level of critical analysis and original thought.
academicA good academic paper needs to show deep thinking and new ideas from the author.
His dissertation on international trade laws made him a highly desirable candidate for the legal firm.
businessThe research he wrote about global trade rules helped him get noticed by the law company.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
write up a dissertation
the process of finalising the written draft
dissertation supervisor
the professor who guides the student's research
dissertation topic
the specific subject being researched
Often Confused With
In the UK, a dissertation is usually for Bachelor/Master levels, while a thesis is for a PhD; in the US, these terms are often reversed.
An essay is a short piece of writing on a subject, whereas a dissertation is a very long, research-based project.
Usage Notes
The word is almost exclusively used in higher education. It typically follows the preposition 'on' (e.g., a dissertation on climate change).
Common Mistakes
Students often misspell it with one 's' instead of two. Also, learners sometimes call any long homework an 'essay' when 'dissertation' is required for degree-level final projects.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Dissertation' as your final 'Station' in the journey of your university degree.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'dissertatio', meaning a formal discourse or discussion, derived from 'disserere' (to examine or discuss).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western academic traditions, completing a dissertation is considered the 'rite of passage' for graduating from a university program.
Quick Quiz
After two years of research, Marcus finally finished writing his ______ on medieval history.
Correct!
The correct answer is: dissertation
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