diploma
dih-PLOH-muh
/dɪˈploʊ.mə/
A formal certificate issued by an educational institution testifying that the recipient has successfully completed a course of study.
Refers specifically to the physical certificate or credential document given to a graduate.
The story behind the word. In ancient Greece, a diplōma was a paper folded in two (from di- 'two' + plōssō 'to fold') handed to travelers as an official passport or permit. English borrowed the word in the 17th century for official educational documents.
Word relationships
- certificate: Certificate can apply to any short training program, whereas diploma usually denotes completion of a formal educational course.
- disqualification: Disqualification denies official standing, whereas diploma confirms official completion.
Commonly confused with
- degree: A degree is the academic rank earned, while a diploma is the physical document certifying it.
Word family
- diplomatic (adjective): Relating to official documents or diplomacy.
- diplomat (noun): An official representing a state who carries official documents.
Collocations
- diploma frame
- high school diploma
- honorary diploma
Idioms & expressions
- ink is hardly dry on the diploma
Example sentences
- "She proudly accepted her high school diploma in front of her cheering family." Graduation moment
- "He framed his university diploma and hung it above his desk in his new office." Professional display
Memory hook
DIPLOMA = Double-folded Paper Labeled Official Marking Achievement. Folded paper of achievement.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'degree', which is the rank or title earned rather than the paper document itself.
Fun facts
- The word 'diplomat' comes from the same root because ancient envoys carried folded credentials called diplomas.
Related words
Explore more words
certificate, certification, commencement, transcript, educate, credential
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