degree
Definitions
A unit of measurement for temperature or angles.
度（温度或角度单位）。
An amount, level, or extent.
程度，等级。
An academic qualification awarded by a university.
学位。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Old French degré, from Latin de- (down) + gradus (a step). A degree was originally one step in a series — a single rung on a ladder of levels. That image branched into measuring temperature and angles by 'steps,' describing 'the degree' (extent) of something, and the academic degree as a rung in the ladder of qualifications.
Root gress still carries 64 more wordsWhy It Means This
Why does one word cover thermometers, protractors, and diplomas? They all rest on the same root image: gradus, a step. A degree is one step along some scale. Climb the temperature scale step by step and each step is a degree; sweep a step around a circle and that is an angular degree; rise step by step through study and the top step is a university degree. Every meaning is a step counted off a ladder.
Common Collocations
- 1.degree of...程度
- 2.to some degree某种程度上
- 3.master's degree硕士学位
- 4.bachelor's degree学士学位
Example Sentences
- 1.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- 2.
I agree with you to some degree.
- 3.
She earned a degree in computer science.