diploma

Definitions

diplo (double, folded) + -ma (Greek noun ending, 'result of') = 'a folded thing.' In antiquity an official document — a license or letter of authority — was folded in two to seal it, so the folded paper itself was called a diploma. Modern use narrowed it to the one folded official certificate most people receive: proof you completed your studies.

Why It Means This

The link between a graduation certificate and the Greek word for 'double' surprises most learners. The key is the fold: ancient official papers were physically folded in two to protect and seal them, and that 'doubled' sheet was the diploma. The fold has vanished from modern certificates, but the sense of an authoritative paper that proves your status has stayed exactly the same.

Common Collocations

• 1.high school diploma高中文凭
• 2.earn a diploma获得文凭
• 3.award a diploma颁发文凭
• 4.diploma in……专业的文凭
• 5.graduate with a diploma凭文凭毕业

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She finally earned her high school diploma after years of night classes.

• 2.

  A diploma in graphic design helped him land his first job.

• 3.

  He proudly hung his university diploma on the office wall.