thèse
/tɛz/feminine
The English word 'thesis' is translated into French as thèse.
The term thèse refers to a lengthy essay written to establish the validity of a thesis, especially one submitted as a requirement for a university degree. In an academic context, thèse can also refer to the doctoral degree process itself. For example, the phrase faire une thèse means to be a PhD student.
Meaning: lengthy essay written to establish the validity of a thesis, especially one submitted as a requirement for a university degree (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, thèse is commonly used for both Master's and PhD level theses. In Switzerland, the terms travail de diplôme or travail de fin d'études are used when referring to a thesis at the undergraduate level.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun thèse is feminine. Consequently, any accompanying adjectives must be in the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɛz/
Did you know?
- In France, the ceremony of defending a thèse was historically a public event called a soutenance, from the verb soutenir, meaning 'to support' or 'to uphold' an argument.
- In some traditional French academic circles, the physical copy of a thèse deposited in a library is called a manuscrit, even if it was produced by a computer.
- While thèse refers to the doctoral work, a French undergraduate's final project is often called a mémoire, which shares a root with the English word 'memory'.
Examples in context
- J'ai une thèse à écrire.I have a thesis to write.This sentence demonstrates the use of thèse to express the need to write one.Tatoeba #4200171 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #4198387 by CK
- C'était le sujet de ma thèse.That was the subject of my thesis.This sentence shows how to identify the subject of a thèse.Tatoeba #8435341 by lbdx, translation #5347156 by mailohilohi
- As-tu fini de rédiger ta thèse ?Have you finished writing your thesis?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has finished writing their thèse.Tatoeba #12686923 by lbdx, translation #326502 by CK
- Ma dissertation porte sur l'histoire de l'artMy thesis is about art history
- J'ai réussi à défendre mon mémoire hierI successfully defended my thesis yesterday
- Sa thèse sur la philosophie politique est très approfondieHis thesis on political philosophy is very thorough
- Je suis en train d'écrire mon mémoire sur la littérature françaiseI'm currently writing my thesis on French literature
- J'étudie pour ma thèse en psychologieI'm studying for my thesis in psychology
- J'ai enfin terminé mon travail de diplôme en économieI finally completed my thesis on economics
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking in a university library.
- ManonTu as avancé sur ta thèse ?Have you made progress on your thesis?
- LucasOui, je termine la rédaction de ma thèse.Yes, I am finishing the writing of my thesis.
- ManonBon courage pour la fin de ta thèse !Good luck with the end of your thesis!
- LucasMerci, Manon, j'en ai besoin.Thanks, Manon, I need it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thesis” translations and entries thèse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
