degrees
Degrees are units used to measure how hot something is, the size of an angle, or a level of achievement.
Explanation at your level:
A degree is a number. We use it for weather. Example: 'It is 20 degrees outside.' It is also for school. You get a degree when you finish college.
We use degrees to measure temperature, like how hot your coffee is. We also use them in math to measure corners. If you finish university, you get a degree.
Degrees are units of measurement. You see them in weather forecasts and geometry. In academic life, a degree is the certificate you get after graduating from a university program.
The term degrees is versatile. It refers to units on a scale (temperature/angles) and academic qualifications. You can also use it to express the extent of something, such as 'to a high degree'.
Beyond basic measurements, degrees often imply a level of intensity or a point on a scale of quality. In academic contexts, it denotes a specific level of mastery. It is also used in figurative ways to describe the extent of an action or feeling.
Etymologically linked to 'steps', degrees denotes a progression or a point in a series. Whether in thermodynamic measurement, angular geometry, or institutional qualification, it signifies a precise point on a continuum. Its usage spans from technical scientific discourse to nuanced expressions of relative intensity.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Degrees measure temperature and angles.
- Degrees represent academic university titles.
- The word comes from the Latin for 'step'.
- It is a countable noun used in many contexts.
When we talk about degrees, we are usually discussing measurements. Think of a thermometer; the numbers on the side represent degrees of temperature. The higher the number, the hotter it feels!
In geometry, degrees measure how much a circle turns. A full circle is 360 degrees, which is a standard way to map out angles in math class.
Finally, there is the academic side. When someone graduates from university, they earn a degree. It is a fancy way of saying they completed a specific course of study and are now experts in that field.
The word degrees comes from the Old French word 'degré', which itself comes from the Latin 'degradus'. This breaks down into 'de-' (down) and 'gradus' (step).
Historically, it literally meant 'a step down' or 'a step in a ladder'. This makes perfect sense when you think about it! Whether you are climbing a ladder of knowledge to get a degree or moving up a scale of temperature, you are taking steps.
It entered Middle English in the 13th century. Over time, it shifted from physical steps to abstract levels of intensity, which is why we use it for both math and school today.
You will hear degrees used in many daily situations. In weather reports, people say, 'It is 25 degrees today.' In academic settings, it is common to say, 'She earned a degree in biology.'
Common collocations include 'academic degrees', 'boiling degrees', and 'to some degree'. Using it in a sentence is quite flexible, whether you are being formal in a business meeting or casual with friends.
Remember that when talking about temperature, we often drop the word 'degrees' if the context is clear, but in math and science, it is almost always required for precision.
To a certain degree: This means partially. Example: 'I agree with you to a certain degree.'
Third degree: Usually refers to harsh questioning. Example: 'My mom gave me the third degree about where I was last night.'
By degrees: This means slowly or gradually. Example: 'The weather improved by degrees.'
360 degrees: A complete change of opinion. Example: 'He did a 360 on his decision.'
Not in the slightest degree: Used for emphasis. Example: 'I am not in the slightest degree worried about the test.'
The word degrees is the plural of 'degree'. It is a countable noun, so you can have one degree or many degrees.
The IPA pronunciation is /dɪˈɡriːz/. The stress is on the second syllable. It rhymes with words like 'agrees', 'knees', 'sees', and 'peas'.
When using it as a measurement, we often put the number before it, like 'ten degrees'. When talking about university, we usually use the singular form 'a degree' unless talking about multiple qualifications.
Fun Fact
The word is related to 'degrade', which means to move down a step.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'd' sound, long 'ee' sound.
Very similar to UK, slightly more emphasis on the 'r'.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing 'ee' as 'eh'
- Stress on the first syllable
- Dropping the 'z' sound at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Plural Nouns
degree -> degrees
Articles
a degree
Prepositions
degree in
Examples by Level
It is 20 degrees today.
20 degrees = temperature
Plural noun
She has a degree.
degree = school paper
Singular noun
The water is 100 degrees.
hot water
Plural noun
I like 25 degrees.
nice weather
Plural noun
He finished his degree.
school finished
Singular noun
It is 0 degrees.
very cold
Plural noun
She studies for a degree.
learning
Singular noun
The angle is 90 degrees.
math angle
Plural noun
The temperature dropped by five degrees.
He earned his degree in London.
The circle is 360 degrees.
It is 30 degrees in the shade.
She is working on her degree.
Turn the dial 45 degrees.
The heat reached 40 degrees.
He has a degree in history.
To some degree, I agree with your plan.
The angle of the ramp is 15 degrees.
She holds a degree from a top university.
The temperature fluctuates by ten degrees daily.
He did a 180-degree turn on his policy.
They are measuring the degrees of slope.
His degree helped him get a better job.
The water is at boiling degrees.
The project was successful to a large degree.
She possesses a degree of patience I lack.
The thermometer shows 22 degrees Celsius.
He is pursuing a postgraduate degree.
The change in temperature was a matter of degrees.
His degree of involvement was minimal.
The angle was adjusted by several degrees.
She graduated with a degree in physics.
The degree of difficulty in this task is high.
He speaks with a degree of authority.
The climate change is measured in fractions of degrees.
She completed her doctoral degree last year.
To a significant degree, this changed everything.
The degrees of separation between them are few.
His degree of success is impressive.
The instrument measures in degrees of arc.
The degree of nuance in his argument was profound.
We must consider the degrees of freedom in this system.
His degree of commitment is beyond question.
The thermal degrees were recorded precisely.
She attained a degree of fame early on.
The degrees of kinship were clearly defined.
He calculated the degrees of latitude.
The degree of variance is negligible.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"to a certain degree"
partly
I agree to a certain degree.
neutral"the third degree"
intense questioning
They gave him the third degree.
casual"by degrees"
gradually
Things improved by degrees.
formal"a 180-degree turn"
a complete reversal
He did a 180-degree turn.
neutral"not in the slightest degree"
not at all
I am not in the slightest degree upset.
formal"a matter of degrees"
a small difference
It is just a matter of degrees.
neutralEasily Confused
both involve levels
grade is for school marks, degree is for qualification
I got an A grade; I earned a degree.
etymological link
step is physical, degree is abstract
Take a step; take a degree of care.
both imply levels
rank is for status/military, degree is for measurement
Military rank; degree of heat.
both mean intensity
level is general, degree is specific
High level; high degree of accuracy.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + has + a + degree + in + [Subject]
She has a degree in math.
It + is + [Number] + degrees + outside
It is 20 degrees outside.
To + a + [Adjective] + degree
To a large degree, it works.
The + angle + is + [Number] + degrees
The angle is 90 degrees.
He + earned + a + degree + from + [University]
He earned a degree from Harvard.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
It is a noun, not an adjective.
Use 'in' for academic subjects.
Grades are for school marks, degrees are for temperature/angles.
Always pluralize when the number is greater than one.
Degrees are for space, not time.
Tips
The Ladder Trick
Remember that 'degree' comes from 'step'. Imagine climbing a ladder to get your degree.
Weather Talk
Always use 'degrees' when mentioning the temperature number.
US vs World
Remember the US uses Fahrenheit, while most of the world uses Celsius.
Plural Rule
If the number is 1, use 'degree'. If it is anything else, use 'degrees'.
The Z Sound
Make sure to finish the word with a clear 'z' sound.
Subject Preposition
Always say 'degree IN biology', never 'degree OF biology'.
Geometry
The 360-degree circle comes from ancient Babylonian math.
Visuals
Draw a circle and a thermometer to link the two main meanings.
Academic
Use 'degree' to sound professional in job interviews.
Rhyme Time
Rhyme it with 'agrees' to get the vowel sound right.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a ladder: each step is a DEGREE of height.
Visual Association
A thermometer inside a graduation cap.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to name 3 things that can be measured in degrees.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: Step/Rank
Cultural Context
None, it is a neutral scientific term.
Degrees are the standard way to measure temperature in the US (Fahrenheit) and most of the world (Celsius).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
University
- Earn a degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
Weather
- 20 degrees
- Temperature in degrees
- Degrees Celsius
Math/Science
- 90 degrees
- 360 degrees
- Measure in degrees
Debate
- To a certain degree
- To some degree
- High degree of certainty
Conversation Starters
"What degree are you studying for?"
"What is the temperature in degrees in your city today?"
"Do you think a university degree is necessary for success?"
"Can you explain the degrees of a circle?"
"To what degree do you enjoy learning English?"
Journal Prompts
Write about your dream university degree.
Describe the weather today using the word degrees.
How have you changed by degrees over the last year?
Why do you think degrees are important in society?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsDegree is singular, degrees is plural.
Use 'a degree' because it starts with a consonant sound.
No, use minutes or seconds.
It means you returned to your original position or changed your mind completely.
The concept is the same, but the temperature scale (F vs C) varies.
Someone who has earned a university degree.
Yes, especially in temperature.
No, it is strictly a noun.
Test Yourself
It is 25 ___ outside.
Plural for temperature.
What do you get when you graduate university?
Academic qualification.
A circle is 360 degrees.
Standard geometric fact.
Word
Meaning
Matching measurements.
Subject-verb-object structure.
Score: /5
Summary
Whether measuring the heat of the sun or the height of your education, degrees are the units that help us track our progress.
- Degrees measure temperature and angles.
- Degrees represent academic university titles.
- The word comes from the Latin for 'step'.
- It is a countable noun used in many contexts.
The Ladder Trick
Remember that 'degree' comes from 'step'. Imagine climbing a ladder to get your degree.
Weather Talk
Always use 'degrees' when mentioning the temperature number.
US vs World
Remember the US uses Fahrenheit, while most of the world uses Celsius.
Plural Rule
If the number is 1, use 'degree'. If it is anything else, use 'degrees'.
