dissertation
UK: ˌdɪsəˈteɪʃ(ə)n | US: ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃ(ə)n
n. a long formal piece of writing on a particular subject, especially for a university degree
n. a detailed discourse or exposition of a topic, often scholarly
dissertation = dis<apart> + sert<join> + ation<noun suffix>
- dis: Latin prefix meaning "apart" or "away."
- sert: From Latin serere (to join, connect), later evolving into dissertare (to debate, discuss).
- ation: Noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin dissertatio (debate, discussion), derived from dissertare (to examine thoroughly). The morpheme dis- implies separation (breaking down ideas), while sert reflects logical connection. Over time, it shifted from verbal debate to structured written analysis, particularly in academic contexts.
She spent two years researching her dissertation on medieval literature.
The professor praised his dissertation for its original insights.
Submitting a dissertation is often the final requirement for a PhD.
His dissertation explored the economic impacts of climate change.
The library archives contain dissertations from the past century.