Doctorate
/ˈdɒktərɪt/
Definitions
The highest degree awarded by a university or college, typically requiring several years of advanced study and the completion of original research.
/ˈdɒktərɪt/
The highest academic degree conferred by a university.
He is pursuing his doctorate in engineering.
💡 Simply: It's like getting the ultimate report card from a university, proving you've mastered a subject and can even discover new things! Imagine spending years researching a fascinating topic and then getting a special certificate, or a 'doctorate,' to prove it. You could say, "My aunt earned her doctorate in biology after studying plants for years!"
👶 For kids: The biggest, smartest school degree you can get!
More Examples
A doctorate is often required for professorship positions at universities.
She presented her doctoral dissertation to the committee.
Obtaining a doctorate is a significant accomplishment in academia.
How It's Used
"She earned a doctorate in philosophy."
"The university offers doctoral programs in various fields."
From Medieval Latin *doctoratus*, from *doctor* (teacher, doctor). Reflects the granting of the highest academic degree, originally associated with the right to teach.
Historically, the doctorate was initially focused on theology, law, and medicine; its scope expanded considerably over time.
Memory tip
Think of a 'doctor' who has achieved the most in their field of study - they have a doctorate!
Word Origin
"the degree of a doctor"