degree
gb/dɪɡɹˈi/ us/dɪɡɹˈi/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
quantity
1
Unit for temperature or angles
A unit used to measure how hot something is or the size of an angle.
Usage pattern:
[number] degrees
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'degree' with 'percent' when talking about temperature or angles.
Synonyms
unit (A general term for a standard quantity used in measurement.)
Collocations
degrees Celsius
|degrees Fahrenheit
|90 degrees
|high degree
Themes
science
|math
|daily life
Examples
- The water temperature is 25 degrees Celsius.
- Turn the wheel 90 degrees to the left.
- It was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday.
Learner examples
- It is 20 degrees today.
- The angle is 45 degrees.
- Water boils at 100 degrees.
Noun
B1
quantity
2
Level or extent of something
How much or how strongly something happens or exists.
Usage pattern:
to some degree
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'degree' instead of simpler words like 'level' in casual speech.
Synonyms
extent (Focuses on range or scope rather than measurement.)
Antonyms
absence (Refers to the complete lack of something.)
Collocations
to some degree
|a high degree of
|varying degrees
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There is a high degree of risk in this plan.
- To some degree, I agree with you.
- The job requires a certain degree of skill.
Learner examples
- I agree to some degree.
- She has a high degree of talent.
- This work needs a certain degree of care.
Noun
B1
entity
3
Academic qualification from a university
A qualification you get from a university after you finish studying there.
Usage pattern:
earn/get/hold a degree in [subject]
Common mistake:
Sometimes confused with 'diploma', which can refer to lower-level qualifications.
Synonyms
qualification (A broader term that includes non-academic certifications.)
Collocations
bachelor's degree
|master's degree
|degree in engineering
Themes
education
Examples
- She earned her degree in biology last year.
- He holds a master's degree from Oxford.
- Many jobs require a college degree.
Learner examples
- I have a degree in history.
- She got her degree last year.
- He wants to get a degree in law.
Grammar
Dictionary form
degree
IPA
GB/dɪɡɹˈi/
US/dɪɡɹˈi/
Syllables & stress
de - gree (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (gree)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: degree
- Plural: degrees
Word family
Forms
degrees
noun
Core family
graduate
noun B1
graduation
noun B1
Advanced or less common
undergraduate
noun B1
postgraduate
noun B2
Expressions
by degrees
1/bˈaɪ dɪɡɹˈiz/
fixed phrase
Gradually, little by little
Happening slowly over time.
Examples
- By degrees, she regained her confidence.
- The weather warmed up by degrees.
to a high degree
1/tə ə hˈaɪ dɪɡɹˈi/
fixed phrase
To a great extent
Very much; greatly.
Examples
- She is talented to a high degree.
- The plan was successful to a high degree.
to some degree
1/tə sˈʌm dɪɡɹˈi/
fixed phrase
Partly or somewhat true
Used to say that something is partly true or happens partly.
Examples
- To some degree, I think you're right.
- The new policy will help, to some degree.