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thesis

THEE-sis /ˈθiːsɪs/

nounC1GRESATACTGMATTOEFLIELTS

AcademicProfessional

A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved; a long essay or dissertation.

In essays, it is the single, guiding argument that the author must prove. In graduate school, it refers to the massive research paper itself.

The story behind the word. The word 'thesis' comes from the Greek 'thesis', which literally meant 'a placing' or 'a setting down'. It comes from the root 'tithenai' (to place or put). When you write a thesis, you are literally 'setting down' your position on an issue and standing by it.

Word relationships

argument: An argument is any claim supported by evidence, while a thesis is the primary, overarching argument of an entire work.
premise: A premise is a starting assumption from which an argument is built, whereas a thesis is the conclusion you are trying to prove.

Commonly confused with

hypothesis: A hypothesis is an untested scientific prediction, while a thesis is a fully argued proposition supported by evidence.

Word family

theses (noun): The plural form of thesis.

Collocations

thesis statement
defend a thesis
central thesis
write a thesis

Example sentences

"She spent the entire semester researching and writing her undergraduate thesis on renewable energy." A student describing their academic progress.
"Your thesis statement must appear in the first paragraph to let the reader know your main argument." An essay writing guide explaining structure.

Memory hook

Think of 'the sis' (sister) who always 'sets down' her foot and refuses to change her argument. Setting down your argument.

When not to use

Do not use to describe a simple statement of fact that requires no proof or argument.

Fun facts

Martin Luther famously nailed his '95 Theses'—ninety-five academic propositions for debate—to the door of Wittenberg Castle church in 1517.