degree

USAGE SUMMARY

"degree" is a correct word in written English.
You can use it when referring to a unit of measurement, or a qualification received after completing a course of study. For example: "John has a degree in business administration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Is your degree course getting you down?

The Guardian

Nazarbayev permitted a relatively high degree of political activity until the emergence of a reform movement called Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan, backed by several wealthy business people, in late 2001.

The Guardian

Turning to Paul Le Guen was bold, imaginative and seemingly unrealistic but demonstrative of a degree of audacity that Murray has often matched with persuasiveness to great effect.

The Guardian - Sport

He admitted that when the virus first struck "there was probably a lack of knowledge and there was a certain degree of arrogance", but he said he believed lessons were being learned.

The Guardian

Headlines about mega-salaries for blockbusters suggest a degree of industry transparency.

The Guardian - Film

To a degree this explains the charged and explicit eroticism of much of his work – though it should be noted that Schiele also painted landscapes throughout his working life.

The Guardian - Arts

They did rally to a degree on this occasion, with a goal in the 41st minute as Tom Soare's testing delivery was turned into the net by McPake.

The Guardian - Sport

Brenda is looking forward to finding a job and saving enough money to study for a master's degree.

The Guardian

Robin Ince, comedian Well, that reminds me that success is not a meritocracy, that a degree of randomness is involved and that I'm lucky doing standup at a point where it became this thing that people were into.

The Guardian

Unlike in other European capitals, where one can perceive a degree of animosity and frustration with Cameron's tricks and tactics, Spain has no special interest in making things hard for the British prime minister.

The Guardian

The current degree classification model, whereby students are awarded a first, 2 1, 2 2, or a third degree, has been labelled by critics as "not fit for purpose".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to academic qualifications, specify the type of "degree" (e.g., bachelor's degree, master's degree) and the field of study for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "degree" without specifying the temperature scale (Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin). Always include the scale for accurate communication.

Linguistic Context

The word "degree" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a step in a process, a unit of measurement (angle or temperature), or an academic qualification. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "degree" functions primarily as a noun with multiple applications, including academic qualifications, measurements, and levels of intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. "Degree" finds frequent use in news and media, formal business communications, and scientific contexts. It's crucial to specify the type of "degree" when referring to academic achievements and to include the scale when discussing temperature to avoid ambiguity. Considering alternatives such as "level" or "extent" can also enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

academic award

Another term for "degree", especially in academic contexts.

qualification

Specifically relates to academic or professional attainment, akin to earning a "degree".

diploma

A certificate or deed documenting completion of a course of study, similar to a "degree" but can also refer to lower levels of education.

level

Indicates a position on a scale or hierarchy, similar to indicating a certain "degree" of something.

extent

Refers to the range or scope to which something reaches, relating to the "degree" of impact or influence.

measure

Denotes the quantity or extent of something, reflecting the "degree" to which it exists.

grade

Indicates a specific level of achievement in education or quality, resembling a "degree" of excellence.

amount

Indicates the quantity of something, representing the "degree" of presence or impact.

stage

Represents a point in a process or development, similar to a "degree" of progress.

point

Refers to a specific position on a scale, akin to a certain "degree" of intensity or value.

FAQs

How to use "degree" in a sentence?

You can use "degree" to refer to academic qualifications, measurements of angles or temperature, or the extent to which something exists. For example, "She has a master's degree in engineering", "A right angle is a 90 degree angle", or "To what degree is this true".

What can I say instead of "degree" when referring to academic qualifications?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "qualification", "diploma", or "academic award".

Which is correct, "degree Celsius" or "degrees Celsius"?

Both "degree Celsius" and "degrees Celsius" are correct. "Degree Celsius" is used when referring to one unit, while "degrees Celsius" is used for multiple units. For example, "The temperature is one degree Celsius" versus "The temperature is twenty degrees Celsius".

What's the difference between "degree" and "extent"?

"Degree" typically refers to a specific measurement or level, while "extent" refers to the range or scope. For example, "to what degree are you involved?" refers to a specific measurement of your involvement, while "the extent of the damage" refers to the overall scope of the damage.