English · Word Candidate

thesis

/ˈθiːsɪs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: theses

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Senses relating to logic, rhetoric, etc. — A proposition or statement supported by arguments.

Noun

Examples

I submit these nine theses to Wikipedia’s community and to the world. I do this, as Martin Luther said when he posted his famous 95 theses, “Out of love for the truth and the desire to elucidate it.” […] I am confident that every thesis stands on solid ground.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Senses relating to logic, rhetoric, etc. — A lengthy essay written to establish the validity of a thesis (sense 1.1), especially one submitted in order to complete the requirements for a non-doctoral degree in the US and a doctoral degree in the UK; a dissertation.

Noun

Examples

I told them of the grave, becoming, and ſublime deportment they ſhould aſſume upon this myſtical occaſion, and read them two homilies and a theſis of my own compoſing, in order to prepare them.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “thesis” mean?

Senses relating to logic, rhetoric, etc. — A proposition or statement supported by arguments.

Is “thesis” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.