Degree
/dɪˈɡriː/
Definitions
4 meaningsA unit used to measure temperature or angles.
/dɪˈɡriː/
A unit of measurement for angles or temperature.
The water boiled at 100 degrees Celsius.
💡 Simply: Imagine a thermometer. The little numbers on the side show the temperature in degrees, like how hot or cold it is! Also, when you turn a corner, the corner's angle is measured in degrees too!
👶 For kids: A way to measure how hot or cold something is (like in a thermometer) or how much something turns (like in a circle).
More Examples
The angle of the triangle is 45 degrees.
The oven was preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How It's Used
"The temperature rose to 30 degrees Celsius."
"A right angle measures 90 degrees."
An academic title conferred by a college or university upon completion of a course of study.
/dɪˈɡriː/
An academic qualification awarded for completion of a course of study.
He is pursuing a PhD degree in physics.
💡 Simply: It's like a special certificate you get after you finish studying at college! It shows you know a lot about a subject.
👶 For kids: A special paper you get when you learn a lot at school for a long time, like a big award!
More Examples
She holds a law degree from Harvard.
A bachelor's degree is the usual entry requirement for this position.
How It's Used
"She earned a Master's degree in engineering."
"This job requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience."
A measure of the intensity or extent of something; a point or level on a scale.
/dɪˈɡriː/
An extent or intensity of a feeling, quality, or action.
The severity of the storm was unexpected.
💡 Simply: It’s like a scale that tells you 'how much' of something is happening. Imagine how much you love your pet - you can say you love them 'to a high degree'!
👶 For kids: How much of something there is, like how much you like a toy!
More Examples
To what degree do you agree with this statement?
She showed a surprising degree of patience.
How It's Used
"He showed a high degree of confidence."
"To what degree are you willing to compromise?"
A step or stage in a scale, process, or series; a relative position or level.
/dɪˈɡriː/
A stage in a scale or series of steps.
The social hierarchy involves different degrees of power.
💡 Simply: It's like a step in a process, or a level of something. Like, you might move through different 'degrees' in a game to get better.
👶 For kids: A step in something, like climbing a ladder to a higher level.
More Examples
The relationship between cousins is of a specific degree.
The artist achieved a high degree of skill in her craft.
How It's Used
"People of a higher degree of wealth."
"They are related by a blood degree."
Idioms & expressions
to a certain degree
To a limited extent or amount.
"I agree with him to a certain degree, but I have my reservations."
by degrees
Gradually; little by little.
"The temperature increased by degrees."
From Old French *degré*, from Late Latin *gradus* ('step, grade'), from Latin *gradior* ('to step, walk').
The word 'degree' has been used since the 13th century, originating from Old French, initially to refer to stages or steps, later expanding to include academic qualifications and units of measurement.
Memory tip
Think of a thermometer showing the temperature in degrees.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: gradus