Plural of Thesis
What is the plural of thesis.
The Quick Answer
Table of Contents
Are You Good at Plurals?
The standard rules for forming the plurals, why is there confusion over the plural of thesis.
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| Type | Example of Type | Forming the Plural | Plural |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Nouns | add s | ||
| Noun Ending s, sh, ch, x or z | add es | ||
| Nouns ending [consonant] o | add either s or es (There are no rules for this - you have to know.) | ||
| Nouns ending [vowel] o | add s | ||
| Nouns ending [consonant] y | change the y to an i and add es | ||
| Nouns ending [vowel] y | add s | ||
| Nouns ending f or fe | ves and/or s (There are no rules - you have to know.) | ||
| Nouns ending is | | change the "is" to "es" | |
| Exceptions | some nouns undergo a vowel or letters change | ||
| More exceptions | some nouns do not change at all | ||
| Foreign rulings | some nouns adopt foreign rulings |
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Definition of thesis
Did you know.
In high school, college, or graduate school, students often have to write a thesis on a topic in their major field of study. In many fields, a final thesis is the biggest challenge involved in getting a master's degree, and the same is true for students studying for a Ph.D. (a Ph.D. thesis is often called a dissertation ). But a thesis may also be an idea; so in the course of the paper the student may put forth several theses (notice the plural form) and attempt to prove them.
Examples of thesis in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
in sense 3, Middle English, lowering of the voice, from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, downbeat, more important part of a foot, literally, act of laying down; in other senses, Latin, from Greek, literally, act of laying down, from tithenai to put, lay down — more at do
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a(1)
Dictionary Entries Near thesis
the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children
thesis novel
Cite this Entry
“Thesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thesis. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
Kids definition of thesis, more from merriam-webster on thesis.
Nglish: Translation of thesis for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of thesis for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thesis
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Grammarflex
What’s the Plural of Thesis? (Thesises? Theses?)
- November 13, 2022
What’s the plural of “thesis”?
Thesis , (and its plural theses ) is an example of one of the many common English words that has roots elsewhere. In this case, thesis is a word that has roots all the way back to Ancient Greek. Like other similarly structured words: diagnosis , synthesis , analysis , oasis , crisis , nemesis and the like, thesis is by no means the only frequently used Greek word that’s made it to Modern English.
What’s the singular of thesis?
Thesis is a singular noun and refers to one thing (or one thesis ).
What’s a thesis?
Merriam-Webster defines the noun thesis (plural theses ) as follows, “a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree.”
Nouns that end in -sis/ses
Thesis is an irregular plural noun that does not end in the typical -s / -es that regular plural noun forms take. This is so despite that theses plural does in fact end in the conventional -s/-es suffix. Why is it still considered irregular; then, given that it follows the regular plural form? Notice the following regular plural noun forms:
Thesis / theses operates differently. With these Greek words, the -ses does not simply add onto the end of the singular form of the noun; instead, -ses replaces the singular noun’s suffixes, and effectively changes the entire spelling of the word (and arguably the word itself.)
| crises | |
Examples of “thesis” (singular) in sentences
His master thesis was on modal neural networks.
She wrote her thesis on Renaissance Nativity scenes.
We disagreed with the basic thesis of the report.
I’ve made a first draft of my thesis .
The student’s experiments helped her formulate a thesis to share with her professor and classmates.
Examples of “theses” (plural) in sentences
It must not be assumed that Luther’s ninety-five theses produced any considerable direct results.
The collection of theses are ready for publication.
Twenty years after Savonarola’s death Martin Luther made public his theses against indulgences.
Theses are generally examined by two or more specialists.
Theses is the plural form of the singular noun thesis.
Origin of the word “thesis”
Thesis / theses are of Greek origin.
Read about other irregular nouns
- What’s the plural of bison?
- What’s the plural of moose?
- What’s the plural of sheep?
- What’s the plural of ox?
- What’s the plural of cactus?
- What’s the plural of crisis?
- What’s the plural of hypothesis?
Read about other topics in grammar
- What’re personal pronouns?
- What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
- Whose vs who’s?
- Merriam-Webster, thesis/theses.
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English Teacher Site
Whats the Plural of Thesis: Understanding Singular and Plural Forms
- The plural of “thesis” adheres to the Greek-rooted pattern, changing the singular -is to a plural -es.
- Accurate use of “thesis” and “theses” reflects scholarly precision in both written and oral communication.
- Awareness of correct pluralization extends to other similar nouns ending in -sis, emphasizing the importance of understanding language origins.
It is crucial to use the word correctly in both singular and plural contexts to maintain the integrity of written and spoken communication. In the realm of academics, precision in language reflects the rigor of one’s research and argumentation. As such, understanding the transformation from “thesis” to its plural counterpart is more than a trivial detail; it reflects a deeper appreciation for the structure and history of the English language.
Table of Contents
What’s the Plural of Thesis?
The proper plural of thesis is “theses.” This transformation is part of a broader pattern in the English language where certain nouns change their ending to reflect a plural state.
Below, a comparison is made to illustrate the standard singular to plural transformation for nouns ending in -is:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| thesis | theses |
| crisis | crises |
| oasis | oases |
Key Points about the pluralization of “thesis”:
- The plural follows a specific rule of changing the ‘-is’ ending to ‘-es’.
- This pattern is consistent with other Greek-derived words.
- The pronunciation changes with the plural form, ending in “-eez.”
To clarify usage, consider these examples:
- Singular: The student’s thesis was commended for its clarity.
- Plural: The professor read all the submitted theses before the conference.
Singular Form of Thesis
The singular form of ‘thesis’ is of notable interest due to its origins and distinct pluralization.
Origination and Definition:
- Etymology : Derived from the ancient Greek word τίθημι (tithēmi), which means “to put” or “to place.”
- Meaning : It is a statement or theory put forward to be maintained or proved.
Usage in Academia:
- A significant piece of writing prepared by a student to obtain a university degree or diploma.
- Often involves original research and substantiates a particular view or argument.
Table 1: Notable Features of ‘Thesis’
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈθiːsɪs/ |
| Syllable Structure | Two |
| Grammatical Number | Singular |
Table 2: Contextual Examples
| Context | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| In a Proposal | “Her proposal was accepted by the advisory committee.” |
| During Defense | “He defended his rigorously to earn his master’s degree.” |
| In Academic Writing | “The central of the book is well-supported with evidence.” |
Definition of Thesis
A thesis is a substantial piece of scholarly writing that is typically required to obtain a master’s or doctoral degree. It represents the author’s research and findings in their chosen field of study. A thesis serves as evidence that the student has acquired the knowledge necessary to be considered a scholar in the field. Here, two key aspects of a thesis will be described through tables:
Purpose and Composition of a Thesis:
| To present original research | Introduction |
| To showcase the author’s understanding and proficiency | Literature Review |
| To contribute to the academic community | Methodology |
| To fulfill a requirement for a graduate degree | Results/Discussion |
| Conclusion |
Characteristics of a Thesis:
- Focused : It should have a clear, concise premise or central argument.
- Researched : Employs rigorous methodologies to gather and analyze data.
- Structured : Contains defined sections that present information logically.
- Cited : Includes proper citations of sources that support or contrast the thesis.
- Reviewed : Undergoes scrutiny by academic peers or supervisors.
Other Irregular Plural Nouns Ending in -sis/ses
Below you will find two tables categorized by common and less common irregular plurals that follow this pattern.
Common Irregular Plurals:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| analysis | analyses |
| hypothesis | hypotheses |
| parenthesis | parentheses |
| thesis | theses |
This pattern is often observed with words that have Greek origins.
Less Common Irregular Plurals:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| basis | bases |
| crisis | crises |
| oasis | oases |
It is important to recognize these forms to maintain grammatical accuracy in writing and speech. Below is a list of examples used in sentences:
- When multiple scientific hypotheses are tested, the results can lead to important discoveries.
- During the editing process, Jane had to review all the parentheses to ensure clarity in her writing.
- Geographers study multiple oases in the desert to understand these unique ecosystems.
- His thesis on renewable energy was well-received, and many theses on the subject reference his work.
Examples of Thesis (Singular) in Sentences
Here are examples that demonstrate its usage in various sentences.
In Academic Context
| Subject Area | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Literature | His thesis explores the symbolism in Victorian poetry. |
| Science | The thesis provides a groundbreaking approach to climate change mitigation. |
In Everyday Discourse
Informal setting : During the debate, his thesis was that space exploration is no longer just a dream but a necessity.
- Discussing beliefs : Her thesis is that all public spaces should offer free Wi-Fi.
- Opinion : They argued the thesis that high taxes discourage spending.
Examples of Theses (Plural) in Sentences
Here are some examples of how “theses” can be used in sentences:
| The library’s collection includes theses from graduates over the decades. | Indicates possession of multiple papers by the library. |
| She compared multiple theses to ensure her research was comprehensive. | Shows the act of reviewing several papers. |
| The committee requested summaries of the proposed theses before approval. | Used as the subject of the committee’s requests. |
| Theses covering revolutionary medical findings were presented at the conference. | Theses acting as the main topic at a professional event. |
Education Setting : Graduate students often struggle to find unique topics for their theses as most ideas have been extensively explored.
- Evaluating the structure and arguments of different theses can help one build a stronger dissertation.
Origin of the Word Thesis
The term thesis originates from the ancient Greek word θέσις (thésis), which means “a proposition” . Historically, this term has played a crucial role in both rhetorical and academic contexts. It denotes a statement that a writer intends to support and prove. In academic circles, thesis often refers to a document that presents the author’s research and findings and is submitted in support of candidature for a degree or professional qualification.
Etymological Background
The journey of the word from its Greek roots to the modern English language reflects the changing dynamics of educational and scholarly practices over the centuries.
| Greek Origin | Modern English Equivalent |
|---|---|
| θέσις (thésis) | Thesis |
As a carryover from Greek to Latin, the word made its way into English, maintaining its original Greek plural form:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| Thesis | Theses |
Usage in Academia
In academia, the word has been used since the late Middle Ages to denote a scholarly work written by students aiming to obtain a university degree. Over time, the use of thesis expanded from merely referring to a proposition to a lengthy document providing evidence of comprehensive research.
Historical Evolution:
- Middle Ages : Referred to propositions for a degree.
- Renaissance : Emphasized individual research.
- Modern Usage : Extensive research documents for higher education degrees.
Areas of Impact:
- Rhetoric : Considered as a premise to be argued.
- Academic Research : Reflects comprehensive study in a field.
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COMMENTS
"Theses" is the only way to make the noun "thesis" plural. Confusion arises because some mistakenly believe that all nouns ending in "s" should form a plural that adds "es" to the end of the word. When a noun ends with "is," you need to replace the "is" with an "es" to form the plural. This is because its plural form derives from Greek.
Learn why the correct plural of thesis is theses, not thesises or thesi, and how to use this word in academic and everyday contexts. The web page also explains the Greek root and the -is to -es rule of this word.
Learn the plural form of thesis and its different meanings in grammar, poetry, music, and dialectic. See synonyms, examples, word history, and related entries of thesis.
Theses is the plural of thesis, which means a written piece of work based on research or investigation. Learn more about the definition, examples and usage of theses from the Cambridge Dictionary.
Learn why the plural of thesis is theses, not thesises, and how to use this irregular noun correctly. See examples, origin, and other Greek words that end in -sis/ses.
Learn how to form the plural of thesis correctly and understand its meaning, usage and origin. The plural of thesis is theses, following the Greek-rooted pattern of changing -is to -es.
Theses is the plural of thesis, which means a written piece of work based on research or investigation. Learn more about the definition, examples and usage of theses from the Cambridge Dictionary.
The plural form of thesis is theses. Find more words! They can continue classes or use the research as their master's theses and doctoral dissertations. Many scientists, including people writing doctoral theses, had access to the bones, and they were laboriously studied. This synthesis is based on public domain data, including published papers ...
Thesis definition: a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections. See examples of THESIS used in a sentence.
Thesis is a noun that can mean a proposition, a statement, a dissertation, or a musical or prosodic element. The plural form is theses, from Latin thesēs, from Ancient Greek θέσεις.
thesis in American English. (ˈθisɪs) noun Word forms: plural -ses (-siz) 1. a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, esp. one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections. He vigorously defended his thesis on the causes of war. 2. a subject for a composition or essay. 3.
The plural, according to Merriam-Webster and others, is "theses." As for origin, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, "thesis" was [o]riginally and properly, according to ancient writers, [t]he setting down of the foot or lowering of the hand in beating time, and hence (as marked by this) the stress or ictus ; the stressed ...
Collocations Scientific research Scientific research Theory. formulate/ advance a theory/ hypothesis; build/ construct/ create/ develop a simple/ theoretical/ mathematical model; develop/ establish/ provide/ use a theoretical/ conceptual framework; advance/ argue/ develop the thesis that…; explore an idea/ a concept/ a hypothesis; make a prediction/ an inference
THESIS definition: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a higher…. Learn more.
Dissertation vs. Thesis—What's the Difference?
7 meanings: 1. a dissertation resulting from original research, esp when submitted by a candidate for a degree or diploma 2. a.... Click for more definitions.
plural theses / ˈθiːˌsiːz/. Britannica Dictionary definition of THESIS. [count] 1. : a long piece of writing on a particular subject that is done to earn a degree at a university. She wrote her thesis on Renaissance Nativity scenes. a master's/doctoral thesis on the effects of global warming. 2. formal : a statement that someone wants to ...
2 a statement or an opinion that is discussed in a logical way and presented with evidence in order to prove that it is true She concluded that there was no archaeological data to support the thesis that the town had been surrounded by a wall. Topic Collocations Scientific Research theory. formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
THESIS meaning: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a higher…. Learn more.
Thesis as a Plural Noun in Example Sentences: The university library stores an extensive collection of doctoral theses. The scholars debated different approaches proposed in their respective theses. The conference showcased the groundbreaking research presented in the participants' theses.
150. See singular and plural nouns, singular and plural possessive nouns, singular and plural forms of irregular nouns, and singular and plural nouns examples. Answer to: What is the plural of thesis? By signing up, you'll get thousands of step-by-step solutions to your homework questions.
Thesis - Wikipedia ... Thesis
BUSINESS ENGLISH, INTERVIEWS, GENERAL ENGLISH. ALL LEVELS. 3 years ago. Contact tutor. 3 years ago. The plural of thesis is theses. The answer is: Helpful (0) Interesting. Funny.