thesis
thesis
UK[ˈθiːsɪs]US[ˈθiːsɪs]
n
A long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a university degree.
n
A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.
Morpheme Breakdown
the
sis
the
to place, to put
sis
action, process
Etymology
The word 'thesis' entered English in the late 14th century via Latin from the Greek thesis, meaning 'a proposition, a setting down'. This Greek noun derives from the root of the verb tithenai, meaning 'to place, to set, to put'. The core semantic logic flows from the concrete act of 'putting something down' to the more abstract intellectual acts of 'proposing an idea' or 'setting forth an argument'. In academic contexts, it evolved to signify the substantial document where a student 'puts forth' their original research and conclusions for examination.
Analysis
Structure: the (to place, to put) + sis (action, process)
'the' originates from Greek the- (a stem of tithenai, meaning 'to place, to put'). 'sis' originates from the Greek suffix -sis, which forms nouns of action or process.
Examples
She is currently writing her doctoral thesis on medieval maritime law.
His central thesis is that economic inequality undermines social cohesion.
The first chapter of the book clearly outlines the author's main thesis.