Degree Definition
dĭ-grē
degrees
noun
degrees
Any of the successive steps or stages in a process or series.
Webster's New World
A step in the direct line of descent.
A cousin in the second degree.
Webster's New World
Social or official rank, position, or class.
A man of low degree.
Webster's New World
Relative condition; manner, respect, or relation.
Each contributing to victory in his degree.
Webster's New World
Extent, amount, or relative intensity.
Hungry to a slight degree, burns of the third degree.
Webster's New World
idiom
by degrees
- Little by little; gradually.
American Heritage
to a degree
- To a small extent; in a limited way:
doesn't like spicy food, but can eat a little pepper to a degree.
American Heritage
by degrees
- step by step; gradually
Webster's New World
to a degree
- to a great extent
- somewhat
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Degree
Noun
Singular:
degreePlural:
degreesIdioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Degree
Origin of Degree
-
Middle English degre from Old French from Vulgar Latin dēgradus Latin dē- de- Latin gradus step ghredh- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Old French degré (French: degré).
From Wiktionary
Related Articles
Degree Is Also Mentioned In
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to degree using the buttons below.