theses

theses

A student carefully stacks several printed theses on a library table.

Definition
  1. Noun (plural of ):
    • Long written essays or dissertations: "theses" refers to formal, lengthy research papers submitted by candidates for a university degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree.
    • Propositions or arguments: "theses" also means statements or theories put forward for discussion or to be maintained or proved.
Usage Examples
  • (Long research papers for a PhD degree.)
  • (Propositions or arguments about moral philosophy.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to defend one's theses": to formally present and argue for one's research findings before an academic panel.

    • He successfully defended his theses in front of the faculty. (He argued for and justified his research.)
  • "working theses": preliminary hypotheses or assumptions used as a starting point for research.

    • The scientists developed several working theses to guide their experiments. (Initial hypotheses to direct the study.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Thesis (n, singular): a single long essay or dissertation.

    • Her master's thesis was on climate change. (A single research paper.)
  • Antithesis (n): the direct opposite or contrast of something.

    • Peace is the antithesis of war. (The opposite concept.)
Synonyms
  • Dissertations: formal, lengthy academic papers.
  • Treatises: systematic written works on a particular subject.
  • Hypotheses: proposed explanations or theories.
Related Idioms
  • "theses and antitheses": a phrase referring to a dialectical process of argument and counterargument.

    • The debate followed a pattern of theses and antitheses. (Propositions and opposing propositions.)
  • "to put forward a thesis": to propose an argument or idea.

    • He put forward a thesis that technology improves education. (He proposed an argument.)