SKIP TO CONTENT

thesis

/ˈθisɪs/
/ˈθisɪs/
IPA guide

Other forms: theses

A thesis is the most important or foundational idea of an argument. If the thesis of your paper is that chocolate ice cream is better than vanilla, you'll need to back that up with plenty of sundae-based research.

The noun thesis has more than one important sense to it. One definition of thesis is that it is the most important or foundational idea of an argument, presentation, or piece of writing. But it can also mean a large work of art, criticism, or scientific research that represents original research and is generally the final requirement for an academic degree.

Definitions of thesis
  1. noun
    an unproved statement put forward as a premise in an argument
    see moresee less
    type of:
    assumption, premise, premiss
    a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
  2. noun
    a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree
    synonyms: dissertation
    see moresee less
    type of:
    tractate, treatise
    a formal exposition
Pronunciation
US
/ˈθisɪs/
UK
/ˈθisɪs/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘thesis'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family