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dissertation

Definition of dissertation

Examples of dissertation in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dissertation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1651, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near dissertation

dissertative

Cite this Entry

“Dissertation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissertation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of dissertation, more from merriam-webster on dissertation.

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dissertation

Nglish: Translation of dissertation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of dissertation for Arabic Speakers

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Definition of dissertation noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• dissertation
• He wrote his Master's dissertation on rats.
• Students can either do a dissertation or take part in a practical project.
• hall of residence
• Candidates are required to present a dissertation of between 8 000 and 12 000 words.
• She is writing her dissertation on the history of the Knights Templar.
• dissertation on

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Your dissertation, the final piece of the puzzle that stands between you and the completion of your doctoral degree . Okay, so that’s not the actual definition of the word “dissertation,” but when you’re writing one, that can feel true at times! Keep reading to learn the academic definition and take a more in depth look at what a dissertation is and how to navigate writing one. So, let’s go!  

Related : Top fully funded PhD programs

Dissertation vs. thesis  

While dissertation and thesis are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to two different pieces of writing. A thesis is traditionally completed at the end of a master’s program . It is based on pre-existing research and showcases your ability to understand the information you have been learning about in your program. 

A dissertation is much longer than a thesis and is completed at the end of a PhD or doctorate program . It is the last thing you need to complete in order to earn your doctorate in your chosen field. It will be about a topic of your choosing that is within your field of study. Instead of using all pre-existing information though, you will conduct a portion of your own research and propose new ideas.

See also : Top scholarships for graduate students   

What do you write about when completing a dissertation?

What you write about will depend on what field of study you are in. A dissertation is designed to be your own. Meaning that what you write about should be a new idea, a new topic, or question that is still unanswered in your field. Something that you will need to collect new data on, potentially interview people for and explore what information is already available.  

Generally, an idea will need to be approved or at least discussed with whoever is overseeing your dissertation before you begin writing. It’s important to put time and effort into choosing a topic that you will be able to find either existing research for and add to, or a topic that you will be able to establish your own methods of data collection for. Again, the goal of your dissertation is to add to your field.   

How long does a dissertation need to be?  

Your dissertation length will vary, but you can generally count on it to be around 2-3 times the length of your thesis. A standard thesis is roughly 80 to 100 pages. So, on the short end you’re looking at a 200 pages dissertation, while the longer end can reach as high as 400 pages.  

How long does it take to write?  

The page count for a dissertation is enough to scare even the best writers away, but take a breath and rest easy knowing that this is not something you complete in just one semester or even two. On the short end you will have a year to write your dissertation, while the longer end can offer as much as two years to complete your dissertation. During this time, you will work with an advisor who can watch over you and help you along the way.  

The parts of a dissertation   

A dissertation is not just one long paper you must write. Thankfully, it is broken down into manageable pieces that you complete over time.  

Choosing a topic  

The first thing you will do is come up with your topic. Again, your topic will need to be approved by whoever is overseeing your dissertation. If they think that it may not be a strong topic, they will let you know. Even if a topic is approved though, you’ll need to do research around that topic first to make sure that it has not already been covered, or if it has that you take into consideration what has been done and add to the topic in a new way.  

Research can mean looking at what already exists, as well as conducting your own research to add to a proposed idea of yours. Your research can take many different forms depending on what field you are in. Research can be costly at times, so be sure to check out what funding opportunities are available for doctoral research. There are even post PhD research grants you should be familiar with if you intend to continue researching.  

Chapter break down  

A dissertation generally consists of five chapters. We’ve written them out below with a brief description of each and what they include.   

Introduction – Just as you would expect, this is where you will introduce your topic and what you plan to discuss  

Literature review – This section will address the research you have found that has already been done, or found has not been done, that pertains to your topic  

Methodology – How you go about collecting information for your dissertation, whether it be conducting your own research or delving deep into what has already been done, will be discussed in the methodology section 

Results – Your results will analyze the information you gathered  in regard to your topic 

Discussion – Finally, your discussion section will assess the meaning of your results and it is also where you will add your own ideas, rooted in research, about what those results mean in a broader context in regard to your field 

There will be more parts of your dissertation that are not included in the chapters, but the bulk of your dissertation will be made up by these five chapters. Things like title pages, references, appendices, and table of contents will also be included.  

Defending your dissertation  

Believe it or not, it’s not enough just to write your dissertation–you also have to defend your dissertation. This is another reason why taking a thorough amount of time to choose your topic is so important. You’ll likely need to propose your initial dissertation idea, but that will be much simpler and shorter. Your final defense will be much lengthier and in depth.  

During your defense, you will present your dissertation to a committee. It’s likely that you’ll be at least somewhat familiar with those on the committee; they are not just randomly picked. They will ask you questions about your research, and you will need to respond to each question. A defense generally takes around two hours. The point of a defense is not to have people try to undermine your work, but for you to exemplify your expertise in your field.  

Failing your dissertation  

Nobody wants to think about failing, but unfortunately, you can fail your dissertation. However, let’s talk about a few things before we just leave it at that. First, if you are afraid of failing your dissertation, this is something that you should speak to your advisor about. They can help you determine if there should be legitimate concerns or if you are getting in your own head.  

Second, even if you do fail your dissertation, you are usually allowed to resubmit one time. This of course is not ideal, but it does give you a little room to breathe. Your goal is to do great from the start, but remember this is not an easy task. You’ll likely have plenty of bumps along the way! 

Again, if you have concerns about failing, address them sooner rather than later and seek help. There are bound to be plenty of people and services around you, as well as additional services that you can pay for which will help review your materials and guide you along.

Key Takeaways

• Dissertations are completed as the last step of your PhD or doctorate degree 
• Your dissertation will be related to a topic or question in your field of study that you choose 
• Dissertations take anywhere from one to two years to complete and can be upwards of three hundred pages long 
• Your dissertation is designed to showcase your expertise in your field and your addition of new ideas to the field about a particular question or area 

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dissertation noun

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What does the noun dissertation mean?

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun dissertation , one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun dissertation ?

How is the noun dissertation pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun dissertation come from.

Earliest known use

early 1600s

The earliest known use of the noun dissertation is in the early 1600s.

OED's earliest evidence for dissertation is from 1611, in the writing of John Speed, historian and cartographer.

dissertation is a borrowing from Latin .

Etymons: Latin dissertātiōn-em .

Nearby entries

• dissentment, n. a1699–
• dissentory, n. 1658
• disseparable, adj. a1849–
• disseparate, v. 1550
• dissepiment, n. 1727–
• dissepimental, adj. 1857–
• dissept, v. 1657
• dissepulchred, adj. 1800–
• dissert, v. 1623–
• dissertate, v. 1766–
• dissertation, n. 1611–
• dissertational, adj. 1833–
• dissertationist, n. 1844–
• dissertative, adj. 1816–
• dissertator, n. 1698–
• disserve, v. 1637–
• disservice, n. 1599–
• disservice, v. 1837–
• disserviceable, adj. 1645–
• disserviceableness, n. 1635–
• disserviceably, adv. a1670–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for dissertation, n..

dissertation, n. was first published in 1896; not yet revised.

dissertation, n. was last modified in June 2024.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into dissertation, n. in June 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1896)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

• View dissertation in OED Second Edition

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English pronunciation of dissertation

Dissertation.

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(English pronunciations of dissertation from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus and from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary , both sources © Cambridge University Press)

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How to pronounce Dissertation

Phonetic Spelling:

ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃən (dis-er-TAY-shuhn)

Understanding the meanings of .

• A long essay on a particular subject, especially one written as a requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy degree
• Any formal discourse in speech or writing

Learn to use in a complete sentence:

• She spent months researching and writing her dissertation on environmental sustainability.
• The professor assigned a dissertation on the history of ancient civilizations.
• His dissertation explored the correlation between economic policies and social inequality.
• After defending her dissertation successfully, she was awarded her Ph.D.
• The student presented his dissertation to the committee for evaluation.

Related words to :

Discussion, Dissension, Dissipate, Dissident, Dissimilar, Dissolute, Dissolve, Dissection, Dissent, Disservice,

Synonyms for

Thesis, Treatise, Monograph, Paper, Essay, Study, Composition, Disquisition, Exposition, Critique,

Steps to learn “” better

A couple of tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘ ‘:

• Try to Break ‘ ‘ down into each individual vowel, say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently say it without making a mistake.
• Record yourself saying ‘ ‘ in a full sentence and then listen back. You should be able to find any of your mistakes very easily.
• Look up pronounciation videos on Youtube or Google for how to pronounce ‘ ‘ correctly.
• Focus on just one accent: mixing multiple accents can sometimes get really confusing, especially for beginners. So select just one accent, perhaps American and master that.

A few more tips\techniques to boost your English accent and pronunciation, we recommend adopt the following methods:

Practicing verbal shortening in speech is standard in the U.S. and is viewed as a regular element of casual conversation. For instance, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is standard practice. Look into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for more insights.

Working on your intonation is crucial for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are key in communicating your intended message and emotions. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can help you in learning these aspects to pronounce ”.

Engage with a number of Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer complimentary resources that tackle important language skills. Pronounce.tv is an additional excellent source for honing your pronunciation.

Mimicking native speakers can greatly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ” and try to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it a part of your routine.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily routine. Learning and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you accurately articulate ”.

Consistently speak English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more proficient you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, improving your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proper pronunciation of dissertation in new zealand english.

In New Zealand English, the word “dissertation” is typically pronounced as “diss-er-TAY-shun.” The emphasis is on the second syllable, “TAY,” with a short “i” sound in the first syllable and a schwa sound in the third syllable. It is important to note that pronunciation can vary slightly depending on regional accents within New Zealand, but this is the most common and widely accepted pronunciation of the word in New Zealand English.

How do you pronounce dissertation in American English?

In American English, the word “dissertation” is pronounced as dih-suh r-tey-shuhn. To break it down phonetically, the word is divided into four syllables: “dis-suhr-tey-shuhn.” The emphasis is placed on the second syllable, “suh.” When pronouncing the word, make sure to enunciate each syllable clearly and emphasize the “suh” sound in the middle. Practice saying the word slowly at first, and then gradually increase your speed until you can pronounce it fluently.

In Canadian English, what is the correct pronunciation of dissertation?

In Canadian English, the correct pronunciation of “dissertation” is typically /ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃən/. This pronunciation follows the standard North American English pronunciation of the word. The stress is usually placed on the third syllable, “tay,” and the “di” at the beginning is pronounced as “diss.” It is important to note that pronunciation can vary slightly depending on regional accents within Canada, but this is the most commonly accepted pronunciation.

What is the standard pronunciation of dissertation in Indian English?

In Indian English, the standard pronunciation of “dissertation” follows the British English pronunciation. It is typically pronounced as “diss-er-tey-shuhn” with the stress on the second syllable. Indian English, being heavily influenced by British English, often adopts the British pronunciation for words. However, due to the diverse linguistic landscape in India, there may be variations in pronunciation based on regional accents and dialects. Nevertheless, the standard pronunciation of “dissertation” in Indian English closely aligns with the British English pronunciation.

How is the word dissertation pronounced in Australian English?

In Australian English, the word “dissertation” is typically pronounced as “diss-er-TAY-shun.” The stress is usually placed on the third syllable, “TAY.” The pronunciation may vary slightly depending on regional accents within Australia, but generally, this is the most common way to pronounce the word in Australian English.

How is the word dissertation pronounced in Irish English?

In Irish English, the word “dissertation” is typically pronounced as /ˌdɪsəˈteɪʃən/. The emphasis is usually placed on the second syllable, “ser.” The pronunciation may vary slightly depending on the regional accent within Ireland, but this is the most common way to pronounce the word in Irish English.

What is dissertation in British English?

In British English, a dissertation refers to a substantial research project that is typically completed at the end of a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. It is a detailed piece of academic writing that demonstrates a student’s ability to independently research a topic, analyze findings, and present their conclusions. A dissertation in British English is similar to a thesis in American English, although the term ‘thesis’ is more commonly used in the UK to refer to the research project completed to obtain a PhD. The dissertation process involves choosing a research topic, conducting a literature review, collecting and analyzing data, and writing up the findings in a structured and coherent manner. It is an important component of higher education in the UK and provides students with the opportunity to showcase their research skills and academic knowledge.

What is the meaning of the word dissertation?

A dissertation is a comprehensive and in-depth piece of academic writing that is typically required for the completion of a doctoral degree. It is a formal document that presents the findings of original research conducted by the author. A dissertation is a significant scholarly work that contributes new knowledge to a particular field of study. It involves a thorough review of existing literature, a clearly defined research question or hypothesis, a methodology for conducting the research, analysis of the data collected, and a discussion of the results in the context of existing knowledge. Overall, a dissertation is a culmination of years of study, research, and critical thinking, and it demonstrates the author’s ability to engage in rigorous academic inquiry and produce a substantial piece of scholarly work.

What is the purpose of a dissertation?

The purpose of a dissertation is multifaceted. It serves as a culmination of a student’s academic journey, showcasing their ability to conduct independent research, analyze information, and present coherent arguments. A dissertation allows students to delve deep into a specific topic of interest within their field of study, demonstrating their expertise and understanding of the subject matter. It also provides an opportunity for students to contribute new knowledge or insights to their academic discipline. Additionally, a dissertation helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management skills as they work through the research process. Ultimately, the purpose of a dissertation is to assess a student’s ability to engage in scholarly inquiry and produce a substantial piece of academic writing that adds value to the existing body of knowledge in their field.

How do you correctly pronounce dissertation in South African English?

In South African English, the word “dissertation” is pronounced as “dis-er-tee-shuhn.” The emphasis is placed on the second syllable, “er,” and the “ti” is pronounced as “shi.” It is important to note that pronunciation can vary slightly depending on regional accents within South Africa, but generally, the pronunciation follows this pattern.

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