doctorate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “doctorate” mean?
The highest academic degree awarded by a university, signifying the recipient has completed advanced original research.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The highest academic degree awarded by a university, signifying the recipient has completed advanced original research.
The status or qualification of being a doctor in an academic field; the period of study or research leading to this degree.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is largely identical. 'DPhil' is sometimes used interchangeably with 'PhD' at some UK universities (notably Oxford).
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with lengthy, independent research in the UK context, while in the US it can sometimes broadly encompass various doctoral-level professional degrees.
Frequency
Equally common in academic contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “doctorate” in a Sentence
doctorate in + [Subject/Field]doctorate from + [Institution]doctorate awarded by + [Institution]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doctorate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was doctorate**d** from Cambridge.
- The university will doctorate him next month.
American English
- He doctorate**d** at Stanford.
- The committee voted to doctorate the candidate.
adverb
British English
- He spoke almost doctorate**ally** on the subject.
American English
- The paper was doctorate**ally** thorough in its analysis.
adjective
British English
- She is in her doctorate**al** year.
- The doctorate**al** process is rigorous.
American English
- He completed his doctorate**al** dissertation.
- Doctorate**al** candidates must defend their work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in R&D contexts or HR discussing qualifications: 'The position requires a doctorate in computational linguistics.'
Academic
Primary context: 'She defended her doctorate last spring.' 'He is a doctorate holder.'
Everyday
Used when discussing someone's high level of education: 'My sister just finished her doctorate.'
Technical
Used precisely to distinguish degree types: 'The programme leads to a research doctorate, not a professional doctorate.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “doctorate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “doctorate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doctorate”
- Using 'doctorate' to refer to a medical doctor's practice (use 'medical practice'). Confusing 'PhD' (a type of doctorate) with all doctorates (e.g., EdD, DBA). Saying 'a doctorate degree' is redundant; 'a doctorate' or 'a doctoral degree' is sufficient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a specific type of doctorate, typically focused on original research. 'Doctorate' is the umbrella term that includes PhDs as well as other doctoral degrees like EdD (Doctor of Education) or DBA (Doctor of Business Administration).
In some countries and programmes, especially in the US, students can enter a doctoral programme directly after a bachelor's degree, often earning a master's en route. In the UK, a master's is often a prerequisite.
Yes, an MD is a professional doctorate. However, in academic contexts, 'doctorate' often specifically refers to research doctorates like the PhD, which involve a dissertation based on original research.
They can be called 'Doctor' (abbreviated Dr.), particularly in academic and professional settings. Informally, they might be referred to as 'a doctorate holder' or 'having a doctorate'.
The highest academic degree awarded by a university, signifying the recipient has completed advanced original research.
Doctorate is usually formal, academic in register.
Doctorate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒk.tər.ət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːk.tɚ.ət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cap and gown (symbolising the award ceremony)”
- “Hooding ceremony (specifically for doctorates)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DOCtor + RATE. A Doctorate gives you the official RATE or rank of a Doctor (of Philosophy).
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATION IS A JOURNEY (embark on a doctorate), KNOWLEDGE IS A CONSTRUCT (build a doctorate through research), STATUS IS HEIGHT (the highest academic degree).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of a 'doctorate'?